Nose arrangements for fastener setting machines, and related methods

ABSTRACT

A self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism for a rivet setting machine includes a self-piercing rivet track in which self-piercing rivets are receivable. A first resiliently biased jaw is biased towards a closed configuration in which the first resiliently biased jaw retains self-piercing rivets in the self-piercing rivet track. The first resiliently biased jaw is moveable to an open configuration in which a self-piercing rivet can escape the self-piercing rivet track. The first resiliently biased jaw is configured to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon exertion of a load upon the first resiliently biased jaw.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is continuation application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/770,099, filed Jun. 5, 2020, which is a U.S. National phaseapplication of International Application No. PCT/GB2018/053526 filedDec. 5, 2018, which claims priority to Application No. GB1720277.1 filedDec. 5, 2017, the contents of all of which are fully incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to nose arrangements for fastenersetting machines. More particularly, the present application relates tonose arrangements including a transfer mechanism. The presentapplication also relates to nose (or other) arrangements including oneor more sensors. The present application also relates to nose assembliesfor nose arrangements including at least one nosepiece. Moreparticularly, the present application relates to rivet setting machines,and, yet more particularly, to self-piercing rivet setting machines. Thepresent application also relates to self-piercing rivet setting machinesof the kind comprising a setting tool having a nose arrangement asdescribed herein, and a punch for setting the rivets. The setting tool,and thus the nose arrangement, is mounted on a support such as aC-frame, and the C-frame may be mounted on a robotic arm.

BACKGROUND

Various systems and methods for setting fasteners are known which use abulk-supply apparatus to supply the fasteners to a setting tool. In somesystems, the setting tool may comprise a nose arrangement and a punchfor setting the fasteners. The setting tool may be mounted on a supportstructure such as a C-frame. The C-frame may be mounted on a robotic armsuch that a large number of automatic operations per unit time may beaccurately carried out by the robot at locations remote from thebulk-supply apparatus. The fasteners need to be delivered from thebulk-supply apparatus to the setting tool, and this is done via afastener delivery or supply system.

The nose arrangement is generally disposed under the punch, and servesto receive the fasteners, and then to guide the fasteners and the punchduring a setting operation. A die may be provided on the supportstructure, opposite the nose arrangement, to react the force applied bythe setting tool to the workpiece during a setting operation. In thisway, the workpiece is sandwiched between the nose arrangement and thedie, and the punch is operated to set the fastener.

Systems of the type described herein typically feed the fasteners to thenose arrangement through suitably-profiled, flexible delivery tubes. Thefasteners may be delivered through the use of compressed air and/orgravity. Further, the fasteners may be supplied singularly or in groups,and will generally thus also require the presence of some sort offastener handling mechanisms along one or more of these fastener supplylines. These fastener handling mechanisms generally involve some form ofmanagement of the movement of the fasteners at some stage along theirpath to the setting tool. When the fasteners are received in the nosearrangement, at least one selected fastener stands in preparation forthe setting operation, for example in a pair of conventional jawslocated under the punch or in proximity thereof.

A transfer mechanism may be provided to transfer the fastener from apoint of delivery in the nose arrangement (a fastener transfer area) toa position under the punch (a stand-by position), in readiness for thesetting operation. Such a transfer mechanism may involve direct transferby gravity, air propulsion and/or a number of mechanical parts such as amechanical pusher, or a probe, that may trap the fastener.

It is thus desirable to improve the rapidity, efficiency and/orreliability of such transfer mechanisms, and/or of their components orrelated accessories.

The presence of a fastener in the nose arrangement is typically sensedby at least one sensor disposed in or about the nose arrangement toavoid blank setting operations.

It is thus also desirable to improve the sensing of any fastenerstransiting in the nose arrangement.

During a setting operation initiated by the travel of the punch, thefastener may travel, carried by the punch, along and inside a generallytubular and elongated component generally known as the nosepiece. It isimportant that the fastener reaches the workpiece in the requiredposition and orientation.

Accordingly, it is also desirable to provide an improved nosepiece.

More generally, the dynamic nature of the operations of fastenerdelivery and setting may be problematic in terms of fastener mobilityand/or stability. For example, obstruction may be caused by the ingressof dust in the fastener delivery lines, or in the nose arrangement.

Further, these operations usually require a number of moving mechanicalparts which may suffer wear and tear, or which adversely act on fastenercoatings, or which could be adversely influenced by the presence of anyadhesives used in the production environment. This may lead to faults orother sources of downtime.

Accordingly, there is a requirement to provide improved nosearrangements and fastener transfer mechanism over the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anose arrangement for a fastener setting tool having a punch for settingfasteners, the nose arrangement comprising:

-   -   a support for supporting the nose arrangement on the setting        tool, the support being adapted to receive the punch;    -   a nosepiece for guiding the punch and a fastener during a        fastener setting operation;    -   the nose arrangement defining first and second fastener transfer        areas situated laterally with respect to the punch, wherein the        fasteners can wait to be transferred under the punch;    -   a transfer mechanism for transferring the fasteners from the        first and second fastener transfer areas under the punch, the        transfer mechanism comprising a movable member that can be moved        between first and second configurations;    -   wherein in the first of said configurations, the movable member        is configured for holding a first fastener in a stand-by        position under the punch, waiting for a fastener setting        operation, and is configured for collecting a second fastener        from the first fastener transfer area, and,    -   wherein in the second of said configurations the movable member        is configured for holding the second fastener in said stand-by        position, and is configured for collecting a third fastener from        the second fastener transfer area.

The first and second fastener transfer areas may be disposed, in use, ongenerally opposed sides with respect to the punch.

The movable member may be elongated and may have, in use, an extensionin a substantially parallel direction with respect to the punch.

The movable member may be pivoted within the nose arrangement.

The movable member may be pivoted to said support.

The movable member may be generally configured as a pendulum.

The movable member may comprise a linear slider disposed in a guidelocated within the nose arrangement.

The linear slider may be disposed substantially perpendicular to thepunch.

The movable member may comprise at least one magnetic face for holdingand collecting the fasteners.

The magnetic face may be disposed on a side of the movable member.

The magnetic face may be conformed to the shape of a rivet, such as aself-piercing rivet.

The movable member may comprise two such magnetic faces, each forholding and collecting the fasteners.

The faces may be disposed on generally opposed sides of the movablemember.

The movable member may comprise one or more permanent magnets, such asneodymium magnets, or surface printed correlated magnets.

The transfer mechanism may comprise an actuator for moving the movablemember between the first and second configurations.

The actuator may be pneumatic.

The actuator may comprise a piston/cylinder arrangement.

A proximal end of the actuator may be connected to a pivotal and/orslidable attachment provided on said movable member.

A distal end of the actuator may be connected to said support.

The movable member may comprises back and front plates supporting arivet carriage in between configured to receive the punch therethroughduring a fastener setting operation.

The movable member may be configured such that it is actuated by thepunch during a fastener setting operation.

The nose arrangement may further comprise limiting means for limitingthe movement of the movable member between said first and secondconfigurations.

The limiting means may comprise one or more stopper elements provided onor in the actuator.

The nose arrangement may further comprise at least one chute and/or amagazine for supplying the fasteners to the first and/or second fastenertransfer areas.

A proximal end of said at least one chute and/or magazine may providesaid limiting means.

Each chute and/or magazine may comprise an in-line escapement providedat said proximal end.

The in-line escapement may be provided on an outlet of said chute and/ormagazine for holding the fasteners in the first and/or second fastenertransfer areas.

The in-line escapement may be configured to be operated by the movablemember to release a fastener when the movable member is in the firstand/or the second configurations.

The in-line escapement may comprise one or more resiliently biased jawmembers for retaining the fasteners before the fasteners are released.

Alternatively, the in-line escapement may comprise a portion of afastener delivery track located in said chute and/or magazine.

The track portion may comprise at least one splitted-track arrangement.

The splitted-track arrangement may comprise a longitudinally splittedtrack segment pivotally arranged on said track portion.

The splitted track segment may be resiliently biased around said pivotso as to deform said fastener delivery track to trap one or morefasteners in said track portion.

Alternatively, the in-line escapement may comprise one or more sets ofpins actuated by an external actuator for holding and releasing thefasteners.

The sets of pins may comprise a pin incorporating a magnetic element.

Said pin may be located downstream of any other pin.

The movable member may be adapted to form a sealed interface with theoutlet of the magazine and/or chute when the movable member is in thefirst and/or second configurations.

The nose arrangement may comprise at least one vacuum port in fluidcommunication with said fastener delivery track.

The nose arrangement may comprise at least one compressed air exhaustport in fluid communication with said fastener delivery track.

The nose arrangement may further comprise at least one vacuum/exhaustconnector coupled to said delivery track.

The vacuum/exhaust connector may be configured to contribute to saidsealing interface together with said movable member.

The chute and/or the magazine may define a substantially undeformablefastener delivery track for delivering the fasteners; optionally whereinthe magazine is a removable magazine.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided asetting tool comprising the nose arrangement described herein

The setting tool may be a rivet setting tool, and the fasteners may berivets.

The setting tool may be a self-piercing rivet setting tool.

The fasteners may be self-piercing rivets.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided arobotic arm comprising the setting tool described herein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of preparing fasteners for a setting operation in a fastenersetting tool having a punch for setting the fasteners, the methodcomprising:

-   -   providing a nose arrangement comprising:        -   a support for supporting the nose arrangement on the setting            tool, the support being adapted to receive the punch for            setting the fasteners;        -   a nosepiece for guiding the punch and a fastener during a            fastener setting operation;        -   the nose arrangement defining first and second fastener            transfer areas situated laterally with respect to the punch,            wherein the fasteners can wait to be transferred under the            punch;        -   a transfer mechanism for transferring the fasteners from the            first and second transfer areas under the punch, the            transfer mechanism comprising a movable member that can be            moved between first and second configurations;    -   moving the transfer mechanism in the first configuration,        wherein in the first configuration the movable member is        configured for holding a first fastener in a stand-by position        under the punch waiting for a fastener setting operation, and        for collecting a second fastener from the first fastener        transfer area; and,    -   moving the transfer mechanism in the second configuration,        wherein in the second configuration the movable member is        configured for holding the second fastener in said stand-by        position, and for collecting a third fastener from the second        fastener transfer area.

The method may further comprise alternately setting one fastenercollected from the first fastener transfer area and one fastenercollected from the second fastener transfer area, or vice versa.

The method may further comprise sequentially setting two fastenerscollected from the first fastener transfer area or two fastenerscollected from the second fastener transfer area.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anose arrangement for a fastener setting tool having a punch for settingfasteners, the nose arrangement comprising:

-   -   a support for supporting the nose arrangement on the setting        tool, the support being adapted to receive the punch;    -   a nosepiece for guiding the punch and a fastener during a        fastener setting operation;    -   the nose arrangement defining a transfer area situated laterally        with respect to the punch, wherein a fastener can wait to be        transferred under the punch;    -   a transfer mechanism for transferring the fastener from the        transfer area under the punch, the transfer mechanism comprising        a movable member that can be moved between first and second        configurations;    -   wherein the movable member comprises at least one pivot and a        fastener carriage;    -   wherein the pivot is arranged to pivot the movable member within        the nose arrangement;    -   wherein the fastener carriage is adapted to receive the punch        therethrough during a fastener setting operation; and    -   wherein the fastener carriage comprises a magnetic face on a        side thereof arranged such that in the first of said        configurations, the fastener carriage is adapted to magnetically        collect a fastener from the fastener transfer area, and in the        second of said configurations the fastener carriage is adapted        to hold the fastener in a stand-by position under the punch        waiting for a fastener setting operation.

The magnetic face may have a shape that conforms to that of a rivet,preferably a self-piercing rivet.

The movable member may have an extension generally parallel to that ofthe punch.

The movable member may be pivoted to said support.

The movable member may generally be configured as a pendulum.

The movable member may comprise an actuator attachment.

The actuator attachment may be in the shape of an elongated slot.

The fastener carriage may comprise a permanent magnet.

The fastener carriage may comprise a magnet protector disposed adjacentto said permanent magnet to protect the magnet from direct contact withthe fastener.

The transfer mechanism may comprise an actuator for moving the movablemember.

The actuator may be pneumatic.

The actuator may comprise a piston/cylinder arrangement.

A proximal end of said actuator may be connected to said pivotalattachment.

A distal end of said actuator may be connected to said support.

The movable member may be configured to be actuated by the punch duringa setting operation.

The nose arrangement may further comprise limiting means for limitingthe movement of the movable member.

The limiting means may limit the movement of the movable member betweensaid first and second configurations.

The nose arrangement may further comprise at least one chute and/or amagazine for supplying fasteners to the fastener transfer area

A proximal end of said at least one chute and/or magazine may providesaid limiting means.

The chute and/or magazine may comprise an in-line escapement provided atan outlet thereof for holding the fasteners in the fastener transferarea.

The in-line escapement may be configured to be operated by the movablemember to release a fastener when the movable member is in the firstconfiguration.

The in-line escapement may comprise one or more resiliently biased jawmembers for retaining the fastener before the fastener is released

Alternatively, the in-line escapement may comprise a portion of afastener delivery track located in said chute and/or magazine.

The track portion may comprises at least one splitted-track arrangementas described herein.

The fastener carriage may be adapted to form a sealing interface withthe outlet of the magazine and/or chute when the movable member is inthe first configuration as described herein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of preparing a fastener for a setting operation in a fastenersetting machine tool having a punch for setting the fastener, the methodcomprising:

-   -   providing a nose arrangement comprising:        -   a support for supporting the nose arrangement on the setting            tool, the support being adapted to receive the punch;        -   a nose assembly for guiding the punch and the fastener            during a fastener setting operation;        -   the nose arrangement defining a fastener transfer area            situated laterally with respect to the punch, wherein the            fastener can wait to be transferred under the punch;        -   a transfer mechanism for transferring a fastener from the            transfer area under the punch, the transfer mechanism            comprising a movable member that can be moved between first            and second configurations;            -   wherein the movable member comprises at least one pivot                and a fastener carriage;            -   wherein the pivot is arranged to pivot the movable                member within the nose arrangement;        -   wherein the fastener carriage is adapted to receive the            punch therethrough during a fastener setting operation;        -   wherein the fastener carriage comprises a magnetic face            disposed on a side thereof;    -   moving the transfer mechanism in the first configuration so that        the fastener carriage collects a fastener from the fastener        transfer area;    -   moving the transfer mechanism in the second configuration so        that the fastener carriage holds the fastener in a stand-by        position under the punch waiting for a fastener setting        operation.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anose assembly for a nose arrangement for a fastener setting tool havinga punch for setting fasteners, the nose assembly being for guiding thepunch and a fastener during a fastener setting operation and comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a head and a tubular body for receiving the        fastener and the punch during the setting operation, the tubular        body extending longitudinally in an axial direction, the tubular        body comprising a wall;    -   a fluid communication port located on said head,    -   a fluid gallery extending longitudinally through said wall;    -   the fluid communication port being in fluid communication with        the fluid gallery, and the fluid gallery being in fluid        communication with the tubular body at a distal end thereof;    -   the nose assembly further including a fastener centralisation        means for centralising a fastener in ingress into the nose        assembly during a fastener setting operation, said fastener        centralisation means being coupled to said head of the housing        and said tubular body being in fastener-receiving communication        with said fastener centralisation means.

The head may define a central recess.

The centralisation means may be received into said recess.

Optionally, the centralisation means is interference fitted to saidrecess.

Optionally, the head comprises one or more connection means forconnecting the nose assembly to the nose arrangement.

Optionally, the connection means are in the form of one or more boresfor receiving one or more respective bolts.

Optionally, the head comprises one or more lateral flat surfaces forregistering the nose assembly in place within the nose arrangement.

The fastener centralisation means may be in the form of a tubular insertcomprising one or more axially extending grooves for accommodatingtherein one or more centralising spheres.

The centralising spheres may be resiliently biased inwardly towards saidaxial direction so as to partially protrude within a passage defined bysaid tubular insert.

Optionally, the spheres may define one or more axially extending stacks.

Optionally, each stack may comprise two spheres.

Optionally, multiple stacks are equally angularly spaced around saidaxial direction.

Optionally, six spheres define three stacks of two spheres each, equallyangularly spaced one from another of about 120 degrees.

Alternatively, the fastener centralisation means may compriseresiliently biased jaws or fingers disposed within said tubular insert.

The centralising spheres may be resiliently biased by a resilientlybiasing medium accommodated within the tubular insert located outwardlywith respect to said one or more spheres.

The biasing medium may protrude between at least two axially adjacentspheres arranged in a stack.

The resiliently biasing medium may be annular.

Optionally, the resiliently biasing medium is in the form of a ring.

Optionally, the ring has a generally polygonal cross section taperedinwardly towards said axial direction.

Optionally, the resiliently biasing medium is received on a recesslocated on an axially extending external surface of the tubular insert.

Optionally, the resiliently biasing medium is compressed between thespheres and a recess for receiving said tubular insert provided on anupper end of said head.

A resilient sealing member may be arranged axially between the insertand the tubular body sealing.

At least a portion of said fluid gallery may be provided within anaxially extending wall insert, said wall insert being inserted into acorresponding axially extending recess provided externally on said wallof the tubular body.

The wall insert may extend to the distal end of said tubular body.

The wall insert may comprise a first transversally extending passagewayin fluid communication with a second transversally extending passagewayprovided on said wall.

The head may comprise at least two fluid communication ports disposed onopposed sides of said head, and at least two respective fluid galleriesin fluid communication with said at least two fluid communication ports,wherein the nose assembly may comprise a further axially extending wallinsert inserted into a further corresponding axially extending recessalso provided externally on said wall of the tubular body, generallyopposite with respect to the other wall insert and recess.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anose assembly for a nose arrangement for a fastener setting tool havinga punch for setting fasteners, the nose assembly being for guiding thepunch and a fastener during a fastener setting operation and comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a head and a tubular body, the tubular body        extending longitudinally in an axial direction;    -   a nosepiece for receiving the fastener and the punch during the        setting operation, the nosepiece also having an axial extension        in said axial direction and being received into said tubular        body of the housing, the nosepiece incorporating one or more        magnetic elements, said one or more magnetic elements comprising        a distal magnetic element generally disposed at a distal end of        the nosepiece.

A distance between a distal edge of said distal magnetic element and adistal edge of the tubular body of the housing configured forcontacting, in use, a workpiece on which a fastener is to be installed,may be a predetermined distance.

Optionally, the distance is equal to the axial length of a rivet,preferably a self-piercing rivet.

The nosepiece may be configured as an insert that is interference fittedto the tubular body.

The nosepiece may extend for at least substantially the entire length ofthe tubular body.

The nosepiece may extend longitudinally further than the housing at aproximal end thereof thus defining a nosepiece insertion portion forinsertion into the nose arrangement.

At least one magnetic element may extend further than the housing at itsproximal end.

The head may comprise one or more connection means for connecting thenose assembly to the nose arrangement

The connection means may be in the form of one or more bores forreceiving one or more respective bolts.

The head may comprise one or more lateral flat surfaces for registeringthe nose assembly in place within the nose arrangement.

The one or more magnetic elements may extend axially in said axialdirection.

The one or more magnetic elements may be provided in the form ofmagnetic bars and/or magnetic strips.

The magnetic bars or strips may comprise one or more respective magneticelement holders.

The magnetic elements may comprise one or more permanent magnets, eachof which may optionally be disposed in a separate magnetic elementholder.

The one or more magnetic elements may each be received in a respectiverecess provided on a longitudinally extending external surface of thenosepiece.

The nose assembly may comprise at least two magnetic elements.

The at least two magnetic elements may be disposed at different angularlocations around the nosepiece.

The least two magnetic elements may be adjacent one to another.

The at least two magnetic elements may overlap at least partially withreference to said axial direction.

The at least two magnetic elements may axially substantiallyuninterruptedly extend for the length of an axial portion of thenosepiece extending to and including said distal magnet.

The nose assembly may further comprise a fastener centralisation meansfor centralising a fastener.

The fastener centralisation means may be located at a distal end of thenose assembly for centralising a fastener in egress from the noseassembly during a fastener setting operation.

The fastener centralisation means may be located at the distal of thenosepiece.

The fastener centralisation means may comprise a tubular body portiondisposed in fastener-receiving communication with said nosepiece.

The tubular body portion may be integrally formed with the nosepiece.

The nosepiece and the tubular body portion may be formed as a singlepiece.

The tubular body portion may comprise one or more axially extendinggrooves for accommodating therein one or more centralising spheresresiliently biased inwardly towards said axial direction so as topartially protrude within a passage defined by said tubular body portionas described herein.

A subset of said magnetic elements may be arranged in axial spacedrelationship along the nosepiece.

Optionally, said subset of magnetic elements are arranged at equal axialintervals.

Optionally, said subset of magnetic elements are annular.

Optionally, said subset of magnetic elements are each in the form of aring.

Optionally, said subset of magnetic elements each comprise twohalf-rings.

Optionally, each magnet is accommodated within a corresponding sleeve.

Optionally, each sleeve is formed on an axially extending inner surfaceof the nosepiece, or is part of a separate component for insertion intothe nosepiece.

Optionally, said subset of magnetic elements are axially arrangedaccording to alternate polarities.

Optionally, said subset of magnetic elements are correlated magnets.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided afastener sensing arrangement comprising:

-   -   a fastener supply line for supplying fasteners to a setting        tool;    -   a fastener handling device and/or a fastener setting device;    -   at least one magnetic element; and,    -   a Hall effect sensor for sensing a fastener, handled by said        fastener handling device and/or set by said fastener setting        device, in cooperation with said magnetic element.

The fastener handling device may comprises an in-line rivet selectiondevice for stopping, trapping and/or releasing one or more fasteners onthe fastener supply line, and the magnetic element is disposed inproximity of the in-line rivet selection device.

The in-line rivet selection device may comprise a rotary cam escapement.

The magnetic element may be disposed laterally with respect to a rotarycam of said rivet selection device.

The in-line rivet selection device may comprise a linear pin escapementcomprising one or more pins.

The magnetic element may be incorporated into one of said pins.

Alternatively, the magnetic element may be disposed laterally withrespect to said pins.

The arrangement may further comprise: a nose arrangement for a fastenersetting tool having a punch for setting the fasteners as the fastenersetting device, the nose arrangement being in fastener-receivingcommunication with said fastener supply line, the nose arrangementcomprising:

-   -   a support for supporting the nose arrangement on the setting        tool, the support being adapted to receive the punch;    -   a nose assembly for guiding the punch and a fastener during a        fastener setting operation;    -   the nose arrangement defining at least one fastener transfer        area situated laterally with respect to the punch, wherein a        fastener received from said supply line can wait to be        transferred to a stand-by position under the punch;    -   the nose arrangement also comprising said fastener handling        device in the form of a transfer means for transferring a        fastener from the fastener transfer area to the stand-by        position, said transfer means comprising said magnetic element;        and,    -   the nose arrangement also comprising said Hall effect sensor for        sensing a fastener received in said nose arrangement.

The support may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material.

The transfer means may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material.

The support may generally be in the shape of an enclosure.

The Hall effect sensor may be disposed within said enclosure.

The magnetic element may comprise a permanent magnet, optionally whereinthe permanent magnet comprises a neodymium magnet or surface printedcorrelated magnet.

The transfer means may comprise a transfer mechanism for transferringthe fastener from the transfer area under the punch, the transfermechanism comprising a movable member adapted to receive the punchtherethrough during a fastener setting operation and that can be movedbetween first and second configurations, said magnetic element beingdisposed on or within said movable member.

The movable member may comprise a magnetic face on a side thereofarranged such that in the first of said configurations, the movablemember is adapted to magnetically collect a fastener from the fastenertransfer area, and in the second of said configurations the movablemember is adapted to hold the fastener in a stand-by position under thepunch waiting for a fastener setting operation.

When the movable member is arranged in said second configuration, saidmagnetic element may be arranged generally parallel with respect to thepunch.

Said magnetic element may comprise a bar having a generally rectangularcross-section.

The opposed polarities of the magnetic element may be defined eitherside of a centre plane passing through the magnetic element, alsogenerally parallel to the punch.

The Hall effect sensor may be arranged in proximity of the stand-byposition for detecting a fastener presence in the stand-by position.

The Hall effect sensor may be arranged rearwardly with respect to thetransfer means and/or said moveable member.

A line of sight may be defined between the Hall effect sensor and afastener held by the transfer means and/or said movable member in thestand-by position.

The Hall effect sensor may be arranged in offset relationship withrespect to a notional direction defined by a line passing through acentre of the magnetic element and a centre of said fastener held in thestand-by position.

A distance measured between a fastener-facing side of the magneticelement and a centre of the Hall effect sensor may be between 4 and 7 mmwhen projected on said notional direction.

Said distance may preferably be between 4.5 and 6.5 mm.

The Hall effect sensor may be arranged in proximity of the fastenertransfer area for detecting a fastener presence in the fastener transferarea.

The Hall effect sensor may be arranged to detect the fastener presencein the fastener transfer area when said movable member is in said firstconfiguration.

The transfer means may comprise an in-line rivet selection devicegenerally disposed at the fastener transfer area.

The in-line rivet selection device may incorporate said magneticelement.

The in-line rivet selection device may comprise a rotary cam escapement.

The magnet may be disposed in proximity of a rotary cam of said rotarycam escapement.

The in-line rivet selection device may comprise a set of one or morepins for stopping, trapping and/or releasing a fastener to the stand-byposition, said magnetic element being incorporated into at least one ofsaid pins.

The pins may extend longitudinally in the direction of the punch.

The magnetic element may generally be in the shape of a magnetic stripor bar and is adapted to be longitudinally inserted or otherwiseincorporated into one of said pins.

The magnetic element may be incorporated into a lead pin located closerto the punch than any other pins.

The magnetic element may be generally disposed on a side of the leadpin, towards the fastener transfer area.

The lead pin may comprise a further magnetic element.

The further magnetic element may be disposed on an opposite side of thelead pin, towards the punch, for interacting with, preferably forattracting, a fastener located at the stand-by position.

Optionally, the lead pin is disposed adjacent to the punch; Optionally,the lead pin is disposed next to the punch.

The nose arrangement may comprise one further such in-line rivetselection device disposed in generally mirrored configuration withrespect to the punch.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of detecting a fastener, the method comprising:

providing a fastener sensing arrangement as described herein; and,

-   -   monitoring a signal provided by the Hall effect sensor.    -   Optionally, the method comprises comparing said signal with a        reference to detect the fastener. Further analysis steps may        also advantageously be provided for, for example not only for        detecting but also for discerning a type and/or size of rivet.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of detecting a retracted position of a punch of a fastenersetting tool, the method comprising:

-   -   providing a nose arrangement as described herein; and,    -   monitoring a signal provided by the Hall effect sensor.

Optionally, the method comprises comparing said signal with a referenceto detect passage of the punch through the stand-by position during afastener setting operation.

The method may further comprise:

-   -   activating the transfer means to collect a fastener from the        fastener transfer area when the punch is detected in the        retracted position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of detecting a fastener in a fastener transfer area within a nosearrangement, the method comprising:

-   -   providing a nose arrangement as described herein;    -   monitoring a signal provided by the Hall effect sensor.

The method may further comprise comparing said signal with a referenceto detect the fastener.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of setting a fastener comprising driving a fastener with a punchin a nose assembly as described herein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anin-line fastener escapement for selectively releasing a fastener onto afastener delivery track, the in-line fastener escapement comprising:

-   -   a splitted-track portion of said fastener delivery track, said        splitted-track portion comprising a longitudinally splitted        track segment pivotally arranged on said splitted-track portion,        wherein said splitted track segment is rotatable around said        pivot so as to deform said fastener delivery track to trap one        or more fasteners and is counter-rotatable around said pivot to        remove said deformation and thus release said fastener thereon.

The fastener delivery track may be cross-sectionally generally T-shapedto accommodate one or more rivets.

Optionally, said one or more rivets may be self-piercing rivets.

The splitted track segment may comprise about one longitudinal half ofsaid splitted-track portion of the fastener delivery track.

The escapement may further comprise resiliently biasing means forbiasing said splitted track segment to trap said one or more fasteners.

Optionally, said resiliently biased means comprise a compression spring.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided achute for delivering fasteners to a setting tool, said chute comprisingan in-line fastener escapement as described herein.

The escapement may be generally located at a downstream or proximal endof the chute.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anose arrangement for a fastener setting tool having a punch for settingfasteners, the nose arrangement comprising:

-   -   a chute as described herein.

Optionally, said chute is connected to, or is part of, a fastenermagazine, which may be a removable magazine.

The nose arrangement may further comprise a support for supporting thenose arrangement on the setting tool, the support being adapted toreceive the punch;

-   -   the escapement defining, where a fastener is trapped, a fastener        transfer area for the fastener to wait in the nose arrangement        to be transferred under the punch;    -   a transfer mechanism for transferring the fastener from the        transfer area under the punch, the transfer mechanism comprising        a movable member that can be moved between first and second        configurations, the movable member being adapted to receive the        punch therethrough during a fastener setting operation;    -   the movable member being arranged such that:    -   in the first of said configurations, the movable member        pivotally operates the escapement to release a fastener from the        fastener transfer area, and    -   in the second of said configurations, the movable member holds        the fastener in a stand-by position under the punch waiting for        a fastener setting operation.

The nose arrangement may further comprise a nosepiece for guiding thepunch and the fastener during a fastener setting operation.

The nose arrangement may comprise two such chutes in mirrorconfiguration on either side of the punch.

The movable member may be movable to a third configuration to operatethe opposed escapement and collect a fastener therefrom.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of setting a fastener comprising operating the in-line escapementas described herein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amethod of manufacturing a vehicle or a part thereof by setting one ormore fasteners thereon, wherein the method incorporates any of theprocedures described herein.

The invention will now be described purely by way of example withreference to the following drawings in which:

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a nose arrangement as describedherein mounted on the C-frame of a self-piercing rivet setting machine;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the nose arrangement of FIG. 1with parts of the setting machine removed to reveal the punch;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the nose arrangement of FIG. 1 with partsremoved to reveal a rivet transfer mechanism as described herein, with amovable member in a first configuration;

FIG. 4 is a front plan view similar to that of FIG. 3 with the movablemember in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 is a front plan view similar to that of FIGS. 3 and 4, with themovable member in the second configuration collecting a rivet on theleft-hand side;

FIG. 6 is a front plan view similar to that of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, withthe movable member in the first configuration collecting a rivet on theright-hand side;

FIGS. 7A-B are front and back perspective views of the movable member ofFIGS. 3-6, engaging with self-piercing rivets of different sizes oneither side;

FIG. 8 is a front plan view, partly in section, of the movable member ofFIGS. 7A-B, revealing magnets;

FIGS. 9A-C are bottom plan views showing different configurations of apassive in-line escapement mechanism which is part of a nose arrangementdescribed herein;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view, partly in section, of the movablemember of FIGS. 7A-B and 8 collecting a rivet from the passive in-lineescapement of FIGS. 9A-C;

FIGS. 11A-B are a front perspective and a front plan view, respectively,of a nose arrangement as described herein;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view, partly in section, of selected componentsof the nose arrangement of FIGS. 11A-B with a movable member in a firstconfiguration;

FIG. 13 is a front plan view, partly in section, of the nose arrangementof FIG. 12 with the movable member in a second configuration;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of the nose arrangement of FIG. 13,showing details of a split-track arrangement;

FIG. 14B is a plan sectional view from the back of the arrangement ofFIGS. 12-14A that reveals a trapped rivet;

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the nose arrangement of FIGS.14A-B, showing a sensor arrangement;

FIGS. 16A-F are, respectively: a front perspective view; a first frontview (partly in section); a second front view (also partly in section);a first enlarged sectional view; a second enlarged sectional view; and,a complete longitudinal section view, of a nose assembly for a nosearrangement as described herein;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another nose assembly describedherein;

FIGS. 18A-B are a front perspective view and a front sectional view of anosepiece for the nose assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of another nose assembly describedherein;

FIGS. 20A-B are a front perspective view and a front sectional view ofanother nosepiece for the nose assembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of another nose assembly describedherein;

FIGS. 22A-B are a front perspective view and a front sectional view ofanother nosepiece for the nose assembly of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 23A-D show a riveting sequence based on the nosepiece of FIGS.20A-B;

FIGS. 24A-C show a riveting sequence based on the nosepiece of FIGS.22A-B;

FIGS. 25A-B show a riveting sequence based on the nosepiece of FIGS.18A-B; FIGS. 26A-B show a riveting sequence based on another nosepiecedescribed herein;

FIGS. 27A-B show schematically an arrangement including a magnet, arivet held by said magnet and a Hall effect sensor used in a nosearrangement described herein;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the arrangement of FIGS. 27A-B.ie including a 3 mm self-piercing rivet;

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the an arrangement similar tothat of FIGS. 27A-B and 28, but including a 5 mm self-piercing rivet;

FIG. 30 illustrates schematically principles of rivet sensing using theHall effect sensor of FIGS. 27-29 for rivets of different sizes;

FIG. 31 represents schematically the magnetic flux B through the Halleffect sensor of FIGS. 27-30 as a function of a distance between thesensor and the magnet;

FIG. 32 represents schematically the output voltage of the Hall effectsensor of FIGS. 27-31 as a function of the distance between the sensorand the magnet of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 33A-C are respectively: a first front perspective view; a secondfront perspective view, partly in section; and, a plan sectional viewfrom the top, of a further arrangement including a magnet, rivets, and aHall effect sensor, incorporating a rotary pin escapement used in arivet feeding line;

FIGS. 34A-C are respectively: a front perspective view; a side view,partly in section; and, a plan sectional view from the back, of analternative arrangement including two magnets, rivets and a Hall effectsensor, disposed in an different nose arrangement that includes a linearpin escapement for transferring the rivets under the punch; and,

FIGS. 35A-C are respectively: a front perspective view; a side view,partly in section; and, a plan sectional view from the back, of yetanother arrangement including magnets, rivets, and Hall effect sensors,disposed in an different nose arrangement that includes linear pinescapements for transferring the rivets under the punch from oppositesides around the punch.

DESCRIPTION

As described herein, “nose arrangement” identifies an arrangement for aworking end of a fastener setting tool that employs a punch that travelsthrough the nose arrangement to guide a fastener towards a workpiece,and then to set it into said workpiece.

We describe in particular nose arrangements used in self-piercing rivetsetting machines of the type that set self-piercing rivets, for example,on plates of various thicknesses, for manufacturing vehicle bodies suchas automobile frames and/or panels. However, it will be understood thatthe present invention is not limited thereto and the arrangementsdescribed herein may be equally applicable to a range of differentfasteners, although they may be particularly suited to rivets, screws,nails and studs.

The self-piercing rivet setting machines described herein are oftenincorporated into robotic arms so that they can travel and be positionedwhere required within a working area, according to many differentorientations. To achieve this, the setting tool is mounted on a C-framewhich is in turn mounted on the robotic arm. The robotic arm and theC-frame are not described herein in detail. However, it will beunderstood that the nose arrangements described herein are particularlysuited to be mounted on such C-frames and robotic arms by virtue oftheir fundamentally compact design. Nonetheless, the skilled person willunderstand that the teachings herein may be equally applicable todifferent setting tools, designed for different fasteners.

“Nose assembly” identifies a sub-assembly of the nose arrangement thatserves to guide the fastener and the punch, after that the punch hasengaged the fastener, during a fastener setting operation. The noseassembly is thus responsible for maintaining a correct relationshipbetween the punch and the fastener, before the fastener contacts theworkpiece, and while the fastener is being set into the workpiece by thepunch, after that the fastener has come in contact with the workpiece.

The action of the punch on the workpiece is typically resisted by a dielocated at another end of the C-frame. Such dies are not describedherein in detail.

“Fastener setting operation” identifies the travel that the punchundertakes for setting a fastener into the workpiece. It will beunderstood that at the onset of a fastener setting operation, the punchtravels without a fastener. Then, on the course of its stroke, the punchcomes into contact with a fastener, while the fastener is in a waitingposition (termed the “stand-by” position herein) under the punch. Thepunch then carries the fastener into the nose assembly. Morespecifically, the fastener is guided by a “nosepiece” which is a tubularmember included in the nose assembly. Various designs of nose assembliesand nosepieces are possible, and some are described in detail herein.

The nose arrangements described herein are compactly provided around thepunch, in proximity thereof. In such arrangements, there are providedone or more designated “fastener transfer areas”, or “fastener transferzones”, where a fastener, having reached the end of a journey—from abulk feeder, or other bulk storage system, to the nose arrangement,along a fastener supply system—awaits so that it can then be transferredto the stand-by position under the punch, in readiness for a settingoperation.

Since the nose arrangements described herein are adapted around thepunch, attributes such as “proximal” and “distal” are generally referredto proximity with respect to the punch. Thus, the “proximal end” of anosepiece will be, for example, that which is positioned closer to thepunch than the “distal end”. Likewise, attributes such as “inward” and“outward”, or the corresponding adverbs “inwardly” and “outwardly” arereferenced to the punch and/or its direction or axis. Thus, for example,an inward direction is towards the punch, while an outward direction isaway from it. The above terms are provided here for the sake of example,but are not exhaustive.

With reference to the Figures in the accompanying drawings, for ease ofnavigation any features newly introduced with reference to a givenFigure are preferably accorded a reference numeral prefaced by thenumber of that Figure, each in double digit format. For example, afeature newly described in connection with FIG. 8 may be given referencenumeral “0801”. A feature newly described with reference to FIG. 12 maybe given reference numeral “1212”.

Further, in the interest of maintaining ease of reference and navigationthroughout the description and the drawings, a given feature may not bedescribed and labelled in connection with all of the Figures that showit. Generally, any features exhaustively described in connection withany earlier Figures are not described again in connection with any laterFigures even when they are shown again—unless there is a meaningfulinterplay with any new features newly described in connection with thoselater Figures. When this is the case, any previously described featuresare preferably labelled using any previously used reference numerals.Thus, for example, FIG. 2 can still show feature labelled “0103” whichwas introduced in connection with FIG. 1. However, the adoption of thisconvention may not be always be adhered to. This may be the case, forexample, when a given feature is shown in a further nose arrangement.This feature may be accorded a new reference number (eg, the punch islabelled as “0201” in FIG. 2 and as “1206” in FIG. 12 since FIG. 2 andFIG. 12 show two different nose arrangements).

In the description and Figures that follow, certain reference numeralsare labelled using suffixes such as “l”, “r”, “f” or “b”, whichrespectively stand for “left”, “right”, “front” or “back”. Thesesuffixes allow certain features to be identified in terms of theirrelative position according to the views represented in the Figures.However, when a feature is referred to in a context which does notrequire the identification of its relative positioning, thecorresponding reference numeral may be used without these suffixes.

Finally, the self-piercing rivets described herein are labelled withcapital letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M and N, so that theycan be easily identified. When multiple rivets are discussed, they maybe identified individually using one or more apexes, for example ′, ″,and ′″, in addition to the corresponding capital letter.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a nose arrangement 0101 asdescribed above. The nose arrangement 0101 includes a support 0102 forsupporting the nose arrangement on an upper working end 0103 of aC-frame 0104 (note that the use of the word “upper” herein is purelyconventional since, as it will easily be appreciated, the C-frame can beinverted in use to install, for example, a self-piercing rivet on theunderside of a panel; similar considerations would apply to words suchas “lower” and/or to equivalent phraseology including for example“above”, “below” or the like). The nose arrangement 0101 is rigidlyconnected to the upper working end 0103 of the C-frame 0104. However,the upper working end 0103 can move axially with respect to the C-frame0104 by means of a hydraulic or servo mechanical cylinder arrangement0105 mounted on the setting tool 0107. However, this feature is notdescribed in any further detail. The location of the nose arrangement0101 with respect to any given workpiece at the time of initiating afastener setting operation is thus determined by the position of theC-frame 0104, which, as mentioned above, is mounted on a robotic arm,and by the extension of the cylinder arrangement 0105 on the C-frame0104. The workpiece is not described herein in any further details, butit is schematically represented for example in FIGS. 23-26.

A nosepiece is disposed within a nose assembly 0106 also provided aspart of the nose arrangement 0101, below the support 0102, with respectto the direction of the stroke of a punch 0201, which is part of thesetting tool 0107 described herein and which is first revealed in FIG.2. The punch is not visible in FIG. 1, it being housed and thereforehidden within the cylinder arrangement 0105. The punch 0201 is alsoactuated, but its operation will not be further described herein.Various nose assemblies and nosepieces will however be described indetail below, especially in connection with FIGS. 16-26.

Within the nose arrangement 0101, a first and a second fastener transferareas (or zones) 0202 r, 0202 l are identified inside the support 0102,in the positions shown in FIG. 2. These areas are located laterally withrespect to the punch 0201, to the right and to the left thereof as seenin FIG. 2. These areas are designed and designated so that the fastenerscan wait in these locations (after these have been delivered to the nosearrangement 0101 from a bulk storage system via a fastener deliverysystem) to be transferred under the punch 0201, as will be described infurther detail below in connection with FIGS. 3-6, 9 and 10. In the nosearrangement 0101 of FIGS. 1 and 2, two fastener transfer areas areprovided one 0202 r to the right of the punch 0201 and one 0202 l to theleft. However, it will be appreciated that only one such area can inprinciple be provided within the nose arrangement without departing fromthe nose arrangements described herein. We describe below in connectionwith FIGS. 11-15 a nose arrangement with only one rivet transfer areaprovided to the right of the punch. Versions with more than two fastenertransfer areas provided within the nose arrangement are in principlepossible but are not described herein since they may be less preferablein the interest of maintaining compactness in the overall design of thenose arrangement.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, various accessories are also provided inconnection with the nose arrangement 0101. A pair of removable rivetmagazines 0108 r, 0108 l are provided to the right and to the left ofthe cylinder arrangement 0105 so that up to a predetermined maximumnumber of self-piercing rivets can be stored locally, on the settingtool, in proximity of the nose arrangement 0101. The rivet magazines0108 r, 0108 l are mounted on respective brackets 0113 r, 0113 l alsoprovided on the C-frame 0104. Each removable magazine 0108 r, 0108 lserves self-piercing rivets to a respective rivet transfer area 0202 r,0202 l. The rivets are retained in the rivet transfer areas 0202 r, 0202l by the rivet magazines 0108 r, 0108 l and this feature will bedescribed in detail below in connection with FIGS. 9 and 12-15.

The rivet magazines 0108 r, 0108 l each comprise a respective elongatedtubular frame 0109 r, 0109 l with an inwardly bent end portion 0110 r,0110 l leading to the respective rivet transfer areas 0202 r, 0202 r. Amagazine elbow 0111 r, 0111 l is identified in each magazine between thetubular frame 0109 r, 0109 l and the respective end portion 0110 r, 0110l. Best visible in FIG. 2 are right and left vacuum conduits 0203 r,02031 coupled to corresponding vacuum ports 0204 r, 0204 l provided onlower sides 0205 r, 0205 l of the end portions of the magazines 0108 r,0108 l by means of respective vacuum connectors 0206 r, 0206 r.

Inside the magazines are respective, longitudinally extendingT-sectioned rivet tracks for supplying self-piercing rivets to the rivettransfer areas 0202 r, 0202 r. The vacuum devices described here simplyhelp create a vacuum condition (which, as it will be appreciated, doesnot need to be perfect) in the rivet tracks inside the magazines andthis condition may facilitate the handling and the movement of therivets inside the magazines and/or their delivery to the rivet transferareas 0202 r, 0202 r, as it will be described in further detail below.As it will be appreciated, the magazines 0108 r, 0108 l could supplyrivets of different sizes and shapes (for example rivets having the samediameter, but different length), or they could be used to supply thesame type/size of rivets symmetrically from either side of the punch0201. In conjunction with the transfer mechanism described below, thespeed of the provision of rivets of a given type and size under thepunch can accordingly be augmented or maximised.

Also visible in FIG. 1 is an operations link 0112 providing electrical,electronic wireless and/or pneumatic supply and/or pick-up for anysensing, indexing, escapement and/or actuation means provided within thenose arrangement 0101. A number of such means will be described hereinin a non-exhaustive fashion. The operations link 0112 is coupled to thesupport 0102 of the nose arrangement 0102 on an upper side thereof, onthe right-hand side in the described arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.However, different coupling locations are also possible. Further, theoperation link 0112 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 provides for three types ofconnections: one electrical connection for a rivet sensor providedwithin the support (this will be described in further detail inconnection with FIGS. 3-6, 12-15 and 27-32), one supply connection forsupplying compressed air to a cylinder/piston actuator also providedwithin the support (this will also be described in further detailbelow—see FIG. 3 for example); and one return compressed air connectionfor the same actuator, with an actuator position sensor incorporated(but now shown). However, different possible arrangements can providefor more or fewer connections at the operations link 0112, as the casemay be, depending on what means, if any, are provided within the support0102, in the nose arrangement 0101. These details are not describedfurther herein.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the support 0102 described herein has thegeneral shape of an enclosure 0114 assembled around the upper workingend 0103 of the C-frame. In this nose arrangement, the enclosure 0114includes front and back, and upper and lower sides. The enclosure isinstead open on the left and right-hand sides to receive the rivetmagazines 0108 r, 0108 l. The upper side is adapted for connection tothe upper working end of the C-frame 0103—in this case via four bolts0207. The lower side is adapted for receiving and supporting the noseassembly 0106—also via bolts (not shown in FIG. 2). The front and backsides are generally in the shape of an irregular polygon presenting adownwardly extending projection. However, these shapes are non-limitingand other configurations or shapes are possible. The left and rightproximal end portions 0110 r, 0110 l of the removable magazines 0108 arereceived in the enclosure 0114 as seen in FIG. 2. From there, the rivetsare supplied to the nose arrangement 0101, for then being positioned inthe stand-by position under the punch when necessary, through respectiveoutlets provided on said proximal ends of the removable magazines 0108.This will be described in further detail in the remainder of thisdescription.

Housed in the support 0102 is a transfer mechanism 0301 for transferringthe rivets from the first and the second fastener transfer areas 0202under the punch 0201. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transfer mechanism0301 includes a movable member 0302 that can be moved between first andsecond configurations 0303, 0404.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the first of said configurations 0303, themovable member 0302 is adapted to hold a first rivet A in a stand-byposition 0305 under the punch 0201, waiting for a fastener settingoperation. Further, in this same configuration the movable member isadapted to collect a second rivet B from the right fastener transferarea 0202 r—if such rivet B has been made available at the correspondingrivet transfer area 0202 r, which is now the case. In the case of FIGS.3 and 4 the left and right-hand side rivets A, B have the same diameterbut a different length. However, in the case of FIGS. 5 and 6 the rivetsA and B have the same diameter and length.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the second of said configurations 0404 themovable member 0302 is adapted to hold the second rivet B in saidstand-by position 0305, and is adapted to collect a third rivet (notshown in FIG. 4) from the left fastener transfer area 0202 l, assumingthat said third rivet is in the meantime made available at the leftrivet transfer area 0202 l. The to-be-collected rivet A has not yet beendelivered to the transfer area 0202 l by the magazine 0108 l. Revealedin FIG. 4 is also a sensor 0401 for the detection of the presence of arivet under the punch 0201. The operation of the sensor 0401 will bedescribed in further detail in connection with FIGS. 27-30.

Thus, with self-piercing rivets A, B being delivered by the magazines0108 r, 0108 l to the first and second rivet transfer areas 0202 r, 0202l within the nose arrangement 0101, the transfer mechanism 0301 isresponsible for collecting the rivets and repositioning them in thestand-by position 0315 under the punch 0201, in preparation for rivetsetting operations. The described arrangement is compact and convenientsince rivets A, B of equal or different type/size can be delivered inthe nose arrangement 0101 at symmetrically opposed locations withrespect to the punch 0201, as required by the current rivetingapplication. The movable member 0302 of the transfer mechanism 0301cycles between the first and second configurations 0303, 0404 and canalternatively collect rivets from the respective magazine outlets 0305,and hold them one at a time under the punch 0201. The magazines make ordo not make available rivets at the transfer areas 0202 depending on therequired sequence of rivets to be set (one from one side, then one fromthe other, or for example two rivets from the same side).

A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, as part of the described transfer mechanismthere is also provided a pneumatic cylinder-piston actuator 0306disposed within the enclosure 0114 that forms the support 0102 of thenose arrangement 0101. While the present system uses a pneumaticactuator, it is understood that other forms of actuation would bepossible including for example an electrical actuator. The actuator 0306described herein is connected at its proximal end to an actuationattachment 0307 provided on the movable member 0302, and at its distalend to the support 0102 of the nose arrangement. However, otherconfigurations are in principle possible, for example with the distalend of the actuator being supported on the axially movable working end0103 of the setting tool 0107.

In the nose arrangement described herein, as can be appreciated fromFIGS. 3 and 4 the movable member 0302 extends parallel to and wrapsaround the punch. The punch is accommodated during its stroke bysuitably formed surfaces of the movable member 0302. These will bedescribed further below, as they also collect and hold the rivets inposition. The movable member 0302 is pivotally attached to the support0102 within the nose arrangement 0101. In other words, the movablemember is generally configured as a pendulum that can be swung from amagazine's outlet 0305 to the other to collect one at a time the rivetsA, B—if they are made available at the transfer area by the magazines0108. Once a rivet B has been collected by the transfer mechanism whilethe movable member is in the first configuration 0303 (as shown in FIG.3), the rivet B is then transferred by the transfer mechanism 0301 tothe stand-by position 0315 under the punch 0201 (as shown in FIG. 4)following a clockwise rotation of the movable member 0302 around itspivot, rotation which brings the transfer mechanism 0301 in the secondconfiguration 0404. The movable member 0302 is now ready to collect afurther rivet A from the magazine 0108 l on the opposite side of thepunch, and this is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are similar to respectively FIGS. 4 and 3 with regards tothe configurations of the movable member, but show rivets A, B of thesame length, as previously mentioned. The set up shown in FIGS. 5 and 6thus corresponds to the quickest method of feeding rivets of a givenshape (ie size and length) using two symmetrically configured removablemagazines. If the two magazines are instead used to supply rivets ofdifferent shapes (ie size or length), any cycle for feeding rivets of apredetermined shape from any one of the left and or right-hand sides ofthe arrangement under the punch will last longer—other conditions beingheld constant.

While the movable member 0302 described in FIGS. 3-6 is pivotallyarranged on the nose arrangement support 0102, alternatively the movablemember 0302 could be provided as a linear slider disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the punch in a guide located within the nosearrangement. This alternative arrangement is however not describedherein in further detail since it is not preferred.

Returning now to FIG. 5, a rivet B′ collected by the movable member fromthe right-hand side magazine 0108 r is now held by the movable member0302 in the stand-by position 0315 under the punch, while the movablemember on the left-hand side of FIG. 5 collects a rivet A′ from theleft-hand size magazine 0108 l. The movable member 0302 is now in itssecond configuration 0404 and the actuator 0306 is in an extendedconfiguration. The to-be-collected rivet A′ is held in the left-handside transfer area 0202 l by a passive in-line escapement 0501 l whichwill be described in detail in connection with FIG. 9. The passivein-line escapement 0501 l includes a pair of resiliently biased jaws0502 l disposed either side of the rivet track that runs longitudinallyin the magazine, at the outlet of the magazine. In the nose arrangement0101 of FIGS. 1-6 the passive in-line escapements 0501 r, 0501 r areoperated to release the rivets by contact with the movable member 0302.Alternatively, however, the rivets A, B could be drawn to the movablemember by a suitable force, for example a magnetic force, when themovable member is in the first or second configurations, with, forexample, a magnet next to the rivets waiting in the transfer areas.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 5, there are represented two rivets A′, A″on the left-hand side of the nose arrangement. The leading rivet A′ isreleased by the jaws 0502 l under the action of releasing actionimparted to the jaws 0502 by the movable member, and is collected on themovable member 0302. When required, the punch will initiate a rivetsetting operation to set the leading rivet B′ that has been previouslycollected from the right-hand side magazine 0108 r and which iscurrently in the stand-by location 0315 under the punch. Once that rivetB′ has been set, the punch will retract to its initial configuration andthe actuator 0306 will retract so as to rotate the movable memberanticlockwise. The movable member 0302 therefore now returns to itsfirst configuration 0303 shown in FIG. 6, wherein the leading rivet A′is now positioned under the punch in the stand-by position and themovable member collects the trailing rivet B″ on the right-hand side ina similar fashion as that described in connection with the leading rivetA′ on the left-hand side. The transfer cycle implemented by the transfermechanism 0301 is therefore now complete, and will start again whenrequired.

As the skilled person appreciates, it is not necessary to set the rivetsA, B supplied on the opposite sides of the punch in perfect alternateorder (that is, for example, according to the sequence A, B, A, B,etc.). Each magazine and/or rivet supply line associated thereto aretypically further equipped with one or more rivet handling mechanismsupstream of the magazine outlets 0305. These rivet handling mechanismsare not described herein in further detail. However, they allow thesetting tool 0107 to set the rivets according to any required sequence,for example A, A, A, A, B, A, B, B etc. When two rivets from the samefeeding side, for example two rivets A, are to be set in sequence inconnection with the nose arrangement illustrated by FIGS. 1-6, one ormore rivet handling mechanisms provided in connection with theright-hand side magazine retain the rivets B upstream of the magazineoutlet so that the movable member 0302 will, for a predetermined numberof cycles, fail to collect any rivets B from the right-hand sidemagazine 0108 r, thereby implementing the required sequence, albeitcomparatively less quickly than if the two A rivets were fed fromopposite sides. FIG. 4, if considered in isolation, may represent asituation in which the movable member 0302 fails to collect a rivet A onthe left-hand side while a rivet B, previously collected on the righthand side, is in the stand-by position under the punch awaiting asetting operation.

Taking now a closer look at the transfer mechanism 0301, FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate in additional detail the movable member 0302 of FIGS. 1-6.The following description is non-limiting in that it will be appreciatedthat a variety of shapes and/or configurations are possible and thesewill generally be determined by any specific riveting or fasteningapplications of the general principles illustrated herein, and by thetype of fastener and setting tool in question.

With reference to FIG. 7A, the movable member 0302 includes a pair offront and back plates 0701 f, 0701 b which, in use, would be arranged atthe front and back of the punch so that the punch can pass therethroughunobstructed, and which support, in between, at their lower end, a rivetcarriage 0702.

The plates define a pivotal attachment 0703 for pivoting the movablemember on the support, as previously described. In the describedarrangement, the pivotal attachment 0703 is provided as a pair ofaligned circular apertures 0704 f, 0704 b provided, respectively, on thefront and back plates 0701 f, 0701 b, on an upper end thereof. However,other configurations would be possible.

The plates further define a plate actuator attachment 0705 forconnection with the actuator 0306, also provided on the upper end of theplates, to the right of the pivotal attachment as shown in FIGS. 7A-B.In the described arrangement, the plate actuator attachment 0705 isprovided as a pair of aligned elongated slots 0706 f, 0706 b also shownin FIGS. 7A-B. However, other configurations would be possible.

In the described arrangement, the rivet carriage 0702 is in the shape ofa solid block 0707 having a general circular crown shape, with front andback sides, upper and lower sides, and right and left rivet capturesurfaces 0708 r, 0708 l located on respective right and left sides 0710r, 0710 l of said block 0707. In the described arrangement, the rivetcapture surfaces 0708 r, 0708 l are provided in the form of magneticfaces which attract the rivets as they are made available at the in-lineescapements at the outlets of the magazines.

Accordingly, embedded in the block 0707 are a pair of permanentneodymium magnets 0801 r, 0801 l shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8,the magnets 0801 r, 0801 l are placed in the rivet carriage 0708 byinsertion through appropriate rectangular recesses 0802 r, 0802 lprovided in the block 0707. The magnets 0801 r, 0801 l are covered byrespective magnet protectors 0803 r, 0803 l. Therefore, the rivets A, Bdo not come in direct contact with the magnets but instead contactdirectly respective outer surfaces of the magnet protectors which, inthe present arrangement, represent the rivet capture surfaces 0708 r,0708 l.

As shown in FIG. 7A-B, the block 0707 forming the rivet carriage 0702conforms to the shape of the rivets A, B in connection with the rivetcapture surfaces 0708 r, 0708 l. The rectangular recesses thataccommodate the magnets are recessed from corresponding right and leftcurved profiles defined by the block. The magnet protectors 0803 r, 0803l are made of a compliant material that follows the shape of thesecurved profiles as shown in FIGS. 7-8. The rivet block can thus bemanufactured with said recesses, the magnets inserted and the magnetprotectors then installed to cover the magnets. The block 0707 may bemanufactured from resilient material or, alternatively, the magnets canbe bedded into a resilient mounting for the purpose of absorbing shockresulting from kinetic energy of arriving rivets. The magnets can stillbe extracted and replaced from the bottom, curved surface of the block,if necessary, without removing the magnet protectors. Magnet sizes,shapes, profiles, and/or properties may be varied according to in useholding requirements, and these may vary between different rivetingand/or fastening applications. It may be important to fine tune orengineer the performance of the magnets to match the requirements of anysuch specific applications.

Other rivet capture configurations and/or features would however bepossible on the rivet carriage. For example, electromagnetic elementscould be incorporated into the block 0707 instead of the permanentneodymium magnets described above. However, these alternatives are lesspreferred and are therefore not described herein.

Alternatively, the rivet capture surfaces could be provided bymechanical rivet capture means as known in the art, for example in theform of one or more mechanical probes that are designed and configuredto hold the rivets between corresponding jaws or the like. Althoughthese arrangements are possible, the permanent magnets represent thecurrently preferred solution since they contribute to the overallcompactness of the nose arrangement described herein, while beingreliable, low cost, and devoid of moving parts, thus relatively easy toimplement and/or engineer.

As mentioned above, importantly, the configuration of the movable member0302 with the front and back plates 0705 f, 0705 b means that themovable member is appropriately configured to receive the punch withoutobstructing it when the punch 0201 is operated to set a rivet.Alternative arrangements could do away with the actuator 0306 if thebody of the movable member was configured such that the movable memberis actuated by the punch or a body associated with the moving punchwhile the punch travels to perform a fastener setting operation. Thisarrangement would have the advantage of dispensing with the ancillaryactuation requirements. However, as it will be apparent, any contactbetween the punch and the transfer mechanism may lead to increased wearand tear of the nose arrangement and/or some of its most valuablecomponents. Accordingly, this alternative set up may in principle onlybe suitable to a limited number of riveting and/or fasteningapplications.

In the nose arrangement described herein, the movement of the movablemechanism between the first and second configurations is limited bylimiting means (not shown) located in the actuator 0306. Accordingly,the first and second configurations of the movable member described inconnection with FIGS. 3-4 are also limiting configurations for themovable member in that the movable member is prevented by the limitingmeans from moving angularly any further than the first configurationanticlockwise (see for example FIG. 3), and the second configurationclockwise (see for example FIG. 4). Importantly, this may lead toextended life of the arrangement as the outlets 0305 of the magazines0108 are not subjected to wear and tear.

In the first configuration 0303 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the magneticrivet capture surface 0708 r on the right-hand side of the movablemember 0302 comes into close proximity with the rivets B such that theleading rivet B′, initially waiting at the rivet transfer area 0202 r onthe right-hand side of the arrangement, is then extracted by the rivetcarriage 0702 which releases the retractable jaws 0502 r of the in-lineescapement 0501 r. The rivet B′, attracted by the magnet 0801 r, comesinto contact with the rivet capture surface 0708 r once the jaws 0502have been released. Alternatively the magnet may release the jaws, or acombination of these two mechanisms could be used. Simultaneously, aright-hand side sealing surface 0709 r provided on the right-hand side0710 r of the block 0707 of the movable member seals the rivet track inthe right-hand magazine 0108 r so that the vacuum condition describedabove can be implemented also to help with the transfer of the rivet B′to the movable member first and then to the stand-by position 0315. Notethat the sealing implemented by the moveable member 0302 also preventsdust entering the stand-by area. This dust would conventionally reachthe stand-by area together with the rivet, as the rivet and the dust aremoved together to the stand-by area by a jet of compressed air. Thus thepairs of jaws 0502 described, for example, in connection with FIG. 5 maybe completely absent from, for example, the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3and 4. In this case, the movable member 0302 would accept rivetsdelivered directly to it from any upstream location, for example from alocation inside the magazine 0108.

In the second configuration 0404 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, likewise themagnetic rivet capture surface 0708 l on the left-hand side of themovable member 0302 comes into close proximity with the rivets A suchthat the leading rivet A′, initially waiting at the rivet transfer area0202 l on the left-hand side of the arrangement, is then extracted bythe rivet carriage from the retracted jaws 0502 l of the in-lineescapement 0501 l and subsequently held in contact on the rivet capturesurface 0708 l. Simultaneously, the left-hand side sealing surface 0709l provided on the left-hand side 0710 l of the block 0707 of the movablemember seals the rivet track in the left-hand magazine 0108 l so thatthe vacuum condition described above can be implemented to help with thetransfer of the rivet A to the movable member first and then to thestand-by position 0315.

The sealing surfaces 0709 r, 0709 l are each distributed on three sidesof the rivet carriage: the upper and lower sides; and, the right-hand0710 r or left-hand 0710 l side of the rivet carriage, as illustrated byFIGS. 7A-B. In this way, the sealing surfaces can provide an adequateand effective seal when the rivet carriage 0702 comes into contact withthe magazine outlets 0305.

It would be possible for the magazine outlets 0305 r, 0305 l to be usedas the limiting means. In this configuration, the actuator 0306 is notlimited by any limiting means provided therein, such as any mechanicalstoppers which could be provided internally in the actuator 0306, butthe clockwise and anticlockwise rotations of the movable member areinstead limited by the abutment of the sealing surfaces 0709 r, 0709 lwith the respective magazine outlets 0305 r, 0305 l of the rivetmagazines 0108 r, 0108 l. Although this configuration is in principlepossible, as discussed above it may not be preferred in applicationswhere tear and wear of the abutting surfaces could cause issues.

FIG. 9 explains the operation of the resiliently biased jaws 0502 lprovided on the left-hand side of FIGS. 3-6. The rivets A are seen fromthe underside 0205 l of the left rivet magazine 0108 l.

In FIG. 9A, under the action of a pair of springs 0901 accommodated toextend longitudinally within the rivet magazine 0108 l, the two jaws0502 l, located on opposed sides of a rivet track 0902, are initially ina closed status to retain the rivets A at the outlet 0305 l of the rivetmagazine. In more detail, the rivets A are held against inwardlyextending projections 0903 extending transversally from the jaws 0502 linto a space just outside the track 0902, just outside the magazine.

When the transfer mechanism 0301 rotates clockwise into the secondconfiguration 0404 represented in FIG. 9B, a portion of the left-handside sealing surface 0709 l situated on the left-hand side of the block0707 strikes against outwardly protruding cams 0904 also provided on thejaws 0502 l, opposite the projections 0903. This opens the jaws at themagazine outlet 0305 and allows the leading rivet A′ to be attracted andretained in place on the rivet carriage by the permanent magnet 0801 onthe rivet capture surface 0708 l. The leading rivet A′ is thustransferred from the left-hand side magazine 0108 to the rivet carriage0702. The leading rivet A′ is now ready to leave the rivet transfer area0202 l to be positioned under the punch in the stand-by positionawaiting a setting operation. The transfer may be aided by compressedair blown into the rivet track 0902, or by the vacuum conditiondescribed above. The trailing rivet A″ (visible in both FIGS. 9A-B) thenreplaces the leading rivet A′ and its stem portion comes into contactwith the inwardly extending projections 0903 of the jaws 0502 l.Further, a third rivet A′″, as shown in FIG. 9B, is released by themagazine and queues at the magazine outlet 0305 l. It will beappreciated that in an alternative arrangement of the jaws, the jaws mayact on the head portions of the rivets rather than on their stemportions.

As the rivet carriage 0702 moves away from the magazine 0108 l, theresiliently biased jaws 0502 l reset their position under the action ofthe springs 0901, as shown in FIG. 9C. The trailing rivet A″ is nowwaiting in the left-hand side rivet transfer area 0202 l. The springs0901 impinge on a rear outwardly extending cam 0905 to rotate the jawsaround respective pins 0906 in an opposed direction of rotation to closethe rivet track 0902. Note a jaw singular would provide the necessaryworking conditions to trap a rivet. A jaw pair provides redundancy inthe system in the event of a spring failure for example.

FIG. 10 illustrates in greater detail the sealing engagement of therivet carriage 0702 with the magazine while the movable member is in thefirst configuration of FIG. 3, which configuration is used to transferthe rivets B. A rivet track cover member 1001 is provided in theright-hand track magazine to cover a corresponding rivet track 0902 ralso provided in the magazine. Part 1004 r of a lower side 1003 r of therivet track cover member 1001 seals against a portion of the rivetcarriage upper side. The cover member and the rivet carriage havecomplementary shapes that form part of said sealing engagement. The restof the sealing engagement is provided by the vacuum connector 0206 rwhich is connected to the vacuum port 0204 r and is suitably shaped tocontribute to the sealing arrangement by sealing against the lowerportion 1002 r of the rivet capture surface 0708 r. However, it will beappreciated that the vacuum connector may alternatively work as anexhaust port for any compressed air blown into the rivet track todeliver, or facilitate the delivery, of the rivets.

Importantly, the sealing arrangement also acts to screen the punch area,and therefore the stand-by position 0315, from ingress of any dustcoming from the magazine track 0902 r. The arrangements described hereinare particularly sensitive to this problem when compressed air is usedto transfer the rivets from the magazine under the punch (alternatively,gravity can be used, or the vacuum condition described above could beused—however, when compressed air is used it is possible that thisintroduces into the nose arrangement any unwanted dust). Any such dustis known to potentially cause a buildup and, in extreme cases, may leadto mechanical failure of the moving parts including the settingoperation.

FIGS. 11-15 show a different nose arrangement 1101. The arrangementshown in FIGS. 11-15 includes a transfer mechanism 1201 adapted totransfer the rivets, one at a time, from the rivet transfer area 1107 tothe stand-by location under the punch. FIGS. 11-12 illustrate thegeneral arrangement. The rivet transfer mechanism 1201 is illustrated inmore detail with reference to FIGS. 12-13. FIGS. 14-15 illustrate inmore detail a different in-line escapement than that previouslydescribed.

A first, immediately apparent distinction between the nose arrangement1101 of FIGS. 11-15 and that 0101 of FIGS. 1-10 is that the nosearrangement 1101 includes only a single rivet supply line 1102 locatedon the right-hand side on FIGS. 11A-B, while the previous nosearrangement 0101 included two rivet supply lines on opposite sides ofthe punch.

Further, the rivet supply line 1102 described herein does not comprise aremovable rivet magazine as such, but includes a chute 1103 and aflexible hose 1104 coupled to said chute, upstream of the chute 1103.Through the flexible hose 1104 and the chute 1103 extends a rivet track1105 generally having a T-shaped cross section 1106, as discernible fromFIG. 11A, for the supply of self-piercing rivets of one or moreappropriate, predetermined sizes to a rivet transfer area 1107 locatedlaterally with respect to the punch, shown to the right-hand side inFIGS. 11A-B.

Various elements of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 11-15 are similar tothe arrangement previously described. For example, the C-frame, thesetting tool, the punch, the support for supporting the nose arrangementon the setting tool, the nose assembly, etc. have all been previouslydescribed and will thus not be described further in connection withFIGS. 11-15. Visible in FIG. 11A is also the upper portion of thehydraulic or servo mechanical actuation arrangement of the setting tool.This is similar to that described in connection with FIG. 1, althoughFIG. 1 did not show this part of the arrangement.

With reference to FIGS. 11-12, the rivet transfer mechanism 1201 is inprinciple similar to that of FIGS. 1-10, although it includes a movablemember 1202 with only one rivet capture surface 1203 on the right-handside of the rivet carriage 1204. Similar to the nose arrangementdescribed earlier, the rivet carriage 1204 supports a permanentneodymium magnet 1205 for transferring the rivets C from the chute 1103to a stand-by position 1301 under the punch 1206. FIG. 12 shows thepunch in a retracted configuration 1207, while FIG. 13 shows the punchin an extended configuration 1302 just prior to engagement with a rivetC, during a setting operation. As it can be appreciated from theseFigures, here it is the punch 1206 that actuates the movable member 1202as required. It will be noted the absence of an independent actuator toswing the movable member 1202 from a first, rivet-collecting position1215 to a second position 1216 where the movable member 1202 holds arivet C in the stand-by position, or vice versa.

As shown in FIG. 12, the chute 1103 is supported on the nose arrangement1101 by a set of bolts 1208. A set of resilient bias members 1209 are inaddition provided in this arrangement in the form of a set ofcompression springs to serve as indexing means, in other words toregister the movable member 1202 precisely in place once the punch 1207is retraced. The nose arrangement provides for escapement of the rivetsC from the chute via a splitted-track arrangement 1210 whose operationwill now be described.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, the movable member 1202 is now inthe rivet collecting position 1215. The movable member 1202 includes apivoted camming surface 1212, in the form of an inclined plane 1213,inclined with respect to the axis of the punch, so as to at all timesmaintain contact with the punch 1206, even when the punch is in theretracted configuration 1207. With the punch 1206 retracted, and theindexing means 1209 in their extended configuration, the movable member1202 resets the splitted-track arrangement 1210 so that a leading rivetC′ can be released by this escapement 1210 onto the magnetic rivetcapturing surface 1203 of the movable member 1202. At this time, theleading rivet C′ is captured onto the surface 1203 of the movable memberand a trailing rivet C″ is in free flow relationship in the rivet track1407 in the chute 1103 and therefore subsequently replaces the leadingrivet C′ in the rivet transfer area 1107.

The splitted-track arrangement 1210 is implemented on a proximal (orlower) end portion 1211 of the chute 1103. This lower end portion 1211of the chute 1103 includes fixed and movable half-track members 1403,1404, as best seen from FIGS. 14-15. The movable half-track member 1404is pivoted on the chute 1103 around a pin 1405 and its pivoted (orsplitted) position is determined by a biasing means 1406 housed in thechute 1103, as also shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The biasing means 1406causes the pivoted movable half-track member 1404 of the splitted-trackarrangement 1210 to rotate clockwise as shown in FIGS. 14A-B to deformthe rivet track 1407 at the lower end portion 1211 of the chute, whilethe movable member is in the position 1216 holding the rivet C′ in thestand-by position. Accordingly, the trailing rivet C″ is retained in thechute and cannot flow for collection by the movable member 1202, asshown in FIG. 14B. FIG. 14B further shows details of the retention ofthe trailing rivet C″ within the splitted-track arrangement 1210. Inparticular, it will be noted that the head of the rivet C″ is trappedbetween portions of the deformed T-shaped rivet track 1407. In moredetail, the upper surface of the rivet C″ is pressed against the upperinner side of the rivet track 1407 on the fixed half-track member 1403on the right-hand side half of FIG. 14B. The lower side, or lip, formedby the head of the rivet C″ is retained by the lower inner side of thetransversal part of the T-shaped profile of the rivet track 1407 on theleft-hand side half of FIG. 14B. For the rest, the operation of thisnose arrangement is similar to that of the nose arrangement previouslydescribed.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view, from the front, of the arrangement ofFIGS. 12-13 with the movable member in the configuration 1216 of FIG.13. This Figure reveals in clearer detail the operation of thesplitted-track arrangement 1210 which is, in this arrangement, used toreplace the in-line escapement previously described. It will beunderstood that the track 1407 does not need to be split in halves. Adifferent longitudinally splitted pattern would be possible. Forexample, it would still be possible to trap the leading rivet C″ astrapped in FIG. 14B by splitting the track 1407 such that the fixedtrack member 1403 instead of extending for half the track width extends,for example, for ⅔ of the entire width of the track 1407 or towards oneedge of the rivet head such that the main portion of the T track is notdeformed, but only a portion outside the T-shape near the periphery ofthe rivet head, as seen in cross section.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from a different angle of the samearrangement shown in FIG. 14A-B to reveal in greater detail the presenceand arrangement of a Hall effect sensor 1401 housed in a sensor housing1502, and its electric link 1501 both provided within the arrangement1101. This sensor 1401 is used here in a similar fashion to sensor 0401briefly described in connection with FIG. 4, ie to detect the presenceof a rivet C under the punch 1206. The operation of the sensor,including the operation of this and alternative arrangements includingsuch sensor, will be described in further detail below.

We have so far described various possibilities for preparing thefasteners for the fastener setting operations using different nosearrangements and transfer means located therein. We will now focus onthe provision of nose assemblies 0106 of the type already brieflydescribed in connection, for example, with FIG. 1, for guiding the punchand/or the rivet once that the punch has collected and removed the rivetfrom the stand-by position, to guide it towards and then on and into theworkpiece.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-F, there is shown a nose assembly 1601 forguiding the punch and a fastener during a fastener setting operation.The nose assembly can be used in any of the nose arrangements describedabove. The nose assembly is formed by an external housing 1602 with ahead 1603 and a tubular body 1604. The tubular body receives thefastener and the punch during the setting operation. In the describedarrangements, the punch has a circular cross-section and, accordingly,the tubular body also has a corresponding circular cross section.However, different shapes are possible, and are actually requested,especially to gain access to the workpiece, principally at the distalend where it is desirable to reduce the external envelope of the noseassembly, without compromising the functionality of the setting tool.The tubular body extends longitudinally in an axial directioncorresponding with the direction of travel of the punch. The tubularbody is defined by a cylindrical wall 1605.

A fluid communication port 1606 is provided on the head 1603. Two fluidgalleries 1607 extend longitudinally through the wall 1605. In thedescribed nose assembly, the fluid communication port 1606 is in fluidcommunication with both fluid galleries 1607. Otherwise, another port1606 could be provided for example on an opposed side and each portcould be in fluid communication with one of the galleries. It will alsobe understood that more than two galleries, or just one, are alsopossible. In this manner, a fluid such as, for example, compressed aircan be blown into and through the fluid gallery 1607. The fluid gallery1607 is also in fluid communication with a passage 1608 defined throughthe nose assembly 1601 by the tubular body (this is where the fastenerand the punch are guided) at the distal or lower end 1609 of the tubularmember 1604 so that the compressed air can be blown into the passage1608 to create a pressure inside the passage 1608. This pressure acts onthe rivet (as a floating piston) to keep it in contact with andstabilised on the punch face to maintain a correct orientation withinthe nose assembly 1601 during the setting operation, just before therivet is embedded into the workpiece (not shown).

At least a portion of each fluid gallery 1607 is provided as an axiallyextending wall insert 1620 to avoid a difficult manufacturing operationinvolving long depth drilling of small diameter. The described tubularmember 1604 includes two such galleries disposed in opposition (ieangularly spaced of exactly 180 degrees) one to the other as seen inFIGS. 16B, D and F. Each wall insert 1620 is inserted into acorresponding axially extending recess 1631 provided externally on saidwall 1605 of the tubular body 1604. The wall inserts 1620 extend to thedistal end 1621 of said tubular body 1604, as also seen from FIGS. 16Aand D, for example. Further, the wall inserts 1620 each comprise a firsttransversally extending passageway 1621. This passageway 1621 in fluidcommunication with a second transversally extending passageway 1622provided on the wall 1605 at a distal end 1621 of the tubular member1605, as also shown in FIGS. 16B, D and F. In FIGS. 16 A and C, one ofthe wall inserts 1620 can be seen in its entire axial length. In FIG. 16F, both wall inserts 1620 can be seen in cross section in their entirelength. FIG. 16F in addition reveals how the fluid communication port1606 communicates simultaneously with the two galleries 1607. This isvia an annular chamber 1625 formed at the proximal end 1626 of thegalleries 1607 within the wall 1605 of the tubular member 1604.

As also shown in FIG. 16A, the nose assembly 1601 further includes afastener centralisation means 1610 for centralising the rivets iningress into the nose assembly 1601. In the described nose assembly 1601the fastener centralisation means 1610 is a short tubular insert 1610coupled to the head 1603. The tubular body 1604 is in fastener-receivingcommunication with this short tubular insert 1610 as can be seen from,for example, FIG. 16E. The head 1603 has a central recess 1611 thatreceives the tubular insert 1610, which is interference fitted to thehead 1603, although other coupling methods would be possible. The head1603 has connection means 1612 for connecting the nose assembly 1601 tothe nose arrangement in the form of two bores 1602 disposed on opposedends of the housing head for receiving one or more respective bolts (notshown). The housing head also has two side flats 1613 for registeringthe nose assembly in place within the nose arrangement as shown in FIG.16A.

The tubular insert 1610 has three axially extending grooves 1614 eachfor accommodating two vertically disposed centralising spheres 1617which are both resiliently biased inwardly towards the axis of thetubular insert. The spheres 1617 partially protrude within a shortpassageway 1615 defined by said tubular insert 1610. The spheres 1617thus define three axially extending sphere stacks 1616 which are equallyangularly spaced around the tubular insert as shown in FIGS. 16C and E.

The protruding spheres 1617 are resiliently biased by a resilientlybiasing medium 1618 accommodated within the tubular insert 1610 locatedoutwardly with respect to said spheres. In the described centralisationdevice 1610, the resiliently biasing medium 1618 is in the form of aring 1618 (made for example of a complaint material such as a polymer).The ring has a polygonal cross-section tapered inwardly so that the ring1618 projects in the space between two stacked spheres 1617. The ring1618 is received on a recess 1609 located on an axially extendingexternal surface of the tubular insert 1610. The ring is thus compressedbetween the spheres 1617 and the central recess 1611 for receiving thetubular insert 1610. A further resilient member 1619 is arranged axiallybetween the tubular insert 1610 and the tubular body 1604 so as toprovide an air seal at the contacting surfaces. This seal enables thefluid communication between the port 1606 and the galleries 1607 asexplained above.

A rivet is thus guided by the punch first through the centralisingdevice 1610. This device 1610 is responsible for centralising the rivetwith respect to the punch during the fastener setting operation. Thecentralised rivet and the punch, travel in contact one with the other,in the passage 1608 defined by the tubular member 1604. As mentionedabove, the pressure created by compressed air injected through the fluidcommunication port 1606 into the passage 1608 helps maintain a correctrelationship between the punch and the rivet throughout the rivetsetting operation. The rivet, therefore, impacts the workpiece at therequired instant, and/or according to a desired configuration relativeto the punch, and the punch can therefore reliably inserts the rivetinto the workpiece.

Note that the distance between the fastener centralisation means at theproximal end of the nose assembly (or any rivet controlling orcentralising means at the proximal end of nose piece) and the collectingelement, for example the magnet, on the moveable member of the transfermechanism is important to ensure that a rivet being transferred from thetransfer mechanism to the nose assembly cannot lose orientation, ie forexample tumble. Ideally the distance between the lower edge of thecollecting element and the upper edge of the nose assembly would be lessthan the length of a rivet.

It will be appreciated that the presence of wall inserts 1620 allowsportions of the fluid galleries to be machined through the wall 1605 ofthe tubular member 1604 according to traditional methods, for example bymachining the recesses 1631 and then drilling those gallery portions.Alternatively, the tubular member 1604 may be manufactured as a singlecomponent using additive manufacturing, due to its complex shape.

With reference to FIGS. 17, 19 and 21, there are shown three furthernose assemblies 1701, 1901, 2101 for a nose arrangement as describedherein. Each of these three nose assemblies comprises a housing 1702,1902, 2102 with a head 1703, 1903, 2103 and a tubular body 1704, 1904,2104, similar to the arrangement described above.

A nosepiece 1730, 1930, 2130 for receiving the rivet and the punch isfrictionally inserted into the tubular bodies and incorporates one ormore magnetic elements 1731, 1931, 2230. A magnetic sleeve element 1832,2032, 2230 is generally disposed at a distal end 1732, 1932, 2132 of thenosepiece 1730, 1930, 2130, so that the positioning of the rivet withrespect to the punch can be maintained, as a minimum, in the instantsthat just precede the setting of the rivet into the workpiece. This willbe described below in connection with FIGS. 23-26, which show sequencesrelating to the punch and rivet as they travel in the nosepieces, as therivet contacts the workpiece, and as the punch positions the rivet onthe workpiece just before the rivet is embedded into the workpiece.

The distance between a distal edge 2401 of the magnetic element disposedat the distal end of the nosepiece and a distal edge of the tubular bodyof the housing that comes into contact with the workpiece is acontrolled parameter “S”. Said distance, S, is in most applicationsequal, or at least similar, to the axial length of the rivet to beinstalled.

The nosepiece 1730, 1930, 2130 extends for at least substantially theentire length of the tubular body. However, the nosepiece 1730, 1930,2130 extends longitudinally further than the housing at a proximal endthereof thus defining a nosepiece insertion portion 1735, 1935, 2135 forinsertion into the nose arrangement. This proximal portion 1735, 1935,2135 of the nosepiece first receives the rivets into the nose assembly.In the nose assemblies of FIGS. 17-20, at least one magnetic elementextends further than the housing at this proximal end of the nosepiece.The housing incorporates features already described in connection withthe nose assembly of FIG. 16 (such as the connection bores, thecorresponding bolts and the flats on the housing head), and willtherefore not be described further.

The arrangement of FIGS. 17-20 includes three magnetic elements thatextend axially along the nosepiece. These magnetic elements are in theform of magnetic bars and/or magnetic strips including a holder and apermanent magnet. The magnetic elements are each received in arespective recess provided on a longitudinally extending externalsurface of the nosepiece. The centrally located magnetic element isdisposed at a slightly different angular location around the nosepiecethan the proximal and distal magnets. The magnets, however, are disposedadjacent one to another so as to overlap at least partially in the axialdirection, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 20A. The longitudinal extension ofthe magnets is such that they generate a magnetic force that is exertedsubstantially uninterruptedly for the length of the nosepiece.

The nose assembly of FIG. 18 comprises a fastener centralisation device1833 for centralising the rivet just before the rivet is forced into theworkpiece. The features of the fastener centralisation device 1833 arenot described in detail here as a description has already been includedin connection with FIG. 16—the same principles apply.

However, in the present nose assembly, the centralising device 1833 isintegrally formed with the nosepiece.

With reference to FIG. 23, a rivet setting sequence is illustratedwherein the rivet and the punch travel in the nose assembly 1930represented in FIG. 19. Since the rivet D is attracted by the magnet2032, the rivet D is prevented from free falling in the nosepiece 1930,and/or from tumbling, thereby becoming inverted with respect to thepunch, as shown in FIG. 23A. The rivet D travels in the nosepiece 1930always under the thrust of the punch.

In FIG. 23B, the rivet D first contacts the workpiece 2301. As can beappreciated from this Figure, the rivet is now substantially free fromany interaction with the magnet 2032, since the magnet's lower edge isaxially spaced a distance S above the workpiece 2301. Accordingly, atthis time, the rivet is relatively more able to locate in place on theworkpiece 2301 under the punch.

The sequence in FIG. 23C shows the rivet D as it is slightly rotatedclockwise under the action of the punch, until square abutment with theworkpiece 2301 is reached, as shown in FIG. 23D.

The sequence in FIG. 23D shows the full abutment of the rivet D with theworkpiece 2301. This is also the instant just before the embeddingaction of the punch initiates. As can be appreciated from FIG. 23D, atthis instant, the rivet D is still slightly off-centre, as the rivethead is still engaged to, or very close to, the internal surface of thebore of the nosepiece.

Rivet joints made under these conditions may still have acceptableproperties, depending on the application, if the concentricity betweenthe punch and the rivet at this instant is within acceptable margins.The magnets 1931, 2032 located in the nosepiece have guided the rivet Dsubstantially all along its descent towards the workpiece 2301. This ismade possible by the relative positioning of the magnets 1931, 2032which together cover substantially the entire length of the nosepiece.During its descent, the rivet D is thus always attracted against theinternal surface of the bore of the nosepiece.

FIG. 24 shows a sequence similar to that shown by FIG. 23, howeverinvolving the nose assembly of FIGS. 21 and 22. Initially (FIG. 24A) therivet E undergoes free fall within the bore in the nosepiece. Themagnetic sleeve element 2230 only interacts with the rivet E just priorthe rivet E touches the workpiece 2301. Again, as represented in FIG.24B, the lower edge 2401 of the magnetic sleeve element 2230 is axiallyspaced a distance S, sufficiently from the workpiece 2301, to allow therivet relatively freely to rotate and achieve the requiredorientation/abutment on the workpiece 2301. As shown in FIG. 24C, underthese conditions the punch collects the rivet E and the magnetic sleeve2230 centralises it on the workpiece 2301 with respect to the punch.Since the magnetic sleeve 2230 only extends at the distal end of thenosepiece, the magnetic force interacts with any rivet E only inproximity of the workpiece.

FIG. 25 shows a sequence similar to that shown by FIGS. 23 and 24, thistime however involving the nose assembly of FIGS. 17 and 18. Initially(FIG. 25A) the rivet F is prevented from undergoing free fall within thenosepiece under the influence of the upper magnets 1731. The lowermagnetic element 1832 then attracts the rivet F in the instants beforethe rivet F touches the workpiece 2301. This nosepiece incorporates acentralising device 1833 similar to that described in connection withFIG. 16. This device 1833 centralises the rivet F just before the rivetis embedded into the workpiece 2301. Again, as represented in FIG. 24B,the lower edge 2401 of the magnetic element 2230 is axially spaced of adistance S from the workpiece 2301 sufficient to allow the rivet F torelatively freely rotate and achieve the required orientation andposition on impact with the workpiece 2301. As shown in FIG. 25B, thepunch collects the centralised rivet F, and the centralised rivet F isthen forced onto the workpiece. Certain applications may favour thenosepiece of FIGS. 17-18.

In FIG. 26, a number of ring-shaped magnetic elements 2630 are arrangedin axial spaced relationship along the nosepiece at equal axialintervals. Alternative arrangements (not illustrated) could comprisehalf magnetic rings, which would be easier to integrate into thenosepiece.

Each magnet 2630 is accommodated within a corresponding sleeve formed onan axially extending internal surface of the nosepiece. The magnets areaxially arranged according to alternate polarities, as illustrated bythe different shadings in FIG. 26. Such magnets could be correlatedmagnets, ie magnets whose polarities has been ‘induced’ according topredetermined patterns.

In the arrangement of FIG. 26, some magnetism is induced on the punch2640 as the punch travels through the magnetic rings 2630. This inducedmagnetism is able to hold the rivet J in central relationship on thepunch, as it travels through the nosepiece, as seen in FIG. 26A—due tothe axial-symmetry of the arrangement. In FIG. 26B, the rivet J contactsthe workpiece 2301, in readiness for being inserted therein. Rivet J isrepresented as a smaller diameter rivet that would typically be passedthrough such a nosepiece. The configuration of FIGS. 26A-B enables arange of reduced rivet diameters to work suitably within a nosepiecehaving a predetermined bore diameter.

FIGS. 27-35 illustrate the possible provision of a Hall effect sensor inthe nose arrangements described herein, and elsewhere. Arrangementscomprising such a sensor have also been shown with reference to FIGS.5-6 and 11-15, and will now be described in more detail.

Hall effect sensors are compact sensors that can detect small changes inthe magnetic field generated by a magnet. This happens for example whenthe magnetic field generated by a magnetic element provided to collector hold a rivet is perturbed by the presence of the rivet. Hall effectsensors are therefore particularly suited to applications includingrivets and magnetic elements for holding the same. However, it will beappreciated that attraction of the rivet is not essential and that aHall effect sensor would in principle work also in case of repulsivemagnetic interaction of the magnet with the rivet (or other fastener).This arrangement may, however, be less preferred in connection with thepresent fastening applications.

Accordingly, FIG. 27A shows in perspective the mutual positions of apermanent neodymium magnet 2701, a rivet G and a Hall effect sensor2702. The magnet 2701 could be that incorporated into any rivet transferdevice described herein. However, as it will be described with referenceto FIGS. 33-35, the magnet could be located elsewhere, and the relativeposition of the sensor with respect to the rivet and/or the magnet couldbe different. Further, it will also be appreciated that the magnet mayor may not be provided with the function to perform a predeterminedinteraction on a rivet (for example, for holding the rivet). Forexample, the magnet could be provided merely to activate or enable thesensing of the Hall effect sensor. In other words, arrangements wherethe magnet is devoid of any meaningful interaction with the rivet arepossible, insofar as the magnetic field is susceptible to undergomeasurable variations in the presence or absence of rivets, or inconnection with rivets of different sizes and/or shapes. This willfurther be described below.

FIG. 27B provides various dimensions in millimetres relating to thearrangement shown in FIG. 27A. FIG. 28 corresponds to the arrangement ofFIG. 27, and, as can be appreciated from the dimensions provided in theFigures, includes a rivet G having a stem measuring nominally 3 mm indiameter. FIG. 29 is similar to FIGS. 27 and 28, but shows a rivet Hhaving a stem measuring nominally 5 mm in diameter (and, accordingly,has a wider head diameter than the rivet G).

FIG. 30 illustrates schematically three selected magnetic field lines3001 generated by the neodymium magnet 2701 of FIGS. 27-29. In thepresence of a rivet G, H, the magnetic field is locally altered, at thesensor location, by the presence of the ferromagnetic material of whichthe rivet is made. The alteration of the magnetic field results into avariation of magnetic flux B experienced by the Hall effect sensor.

The sensor location is identified in FIG. 30 by parameters “h” and “d”,namely: an offset of the sensor 2702 in depth-wise direction withrespect to the nose arrangement (refer to FIGS. 5-6 for example) from anominal line or plane extending from the centre of magnetic element 2701through the rivets G, H; and, a distance of the sensor from a proximalface 2703 of the magnet 2701 measured along that line or plane,respectively.

According to FIG. 27B, “h”=5.3 mm and “d”=5.6 mm in the describedarrangement. It has been found that if “h” is approximately equal to 1to 1.5 times the stem of the rivet, sensing of the rivets isfacilitated. Likewise, it is preferred (but not essential) that themagnetic field lines impinge on the sensor face at about 90 degrees, or,preferably according to an angle “a” as shown in FIG. 30 not less than60 degrees. Accordingly, the preferred locations of the sensor 2702 inFIG. 30 are long line “b”.

Table 1 below provides the basic concept of how the magnetic flux B mayvary at the sensor location. X corresponds to the value of B withoutrivet and “a” and “b” represent changes in value for B due to,respectively, the presence of the rivet G or H, respectively.

A larger rivet induces a larger change in magnetic flux B, as sensed bythe Hall effect sensor 2702.

TABLE 1 Magnetic Flux B at a given point represented by dimensions “h” &“d” of FIG. 30 Sensed B Starting value, ie, no rivet X X Change in valuecaused by small rivet a X-a (3 mm) Change in value caused by large rivetb X-b (5 mm) Where b > a

FIG. 31 represents the magnetic flux B experienced by the Hall effectsensor as a function of the presence or absence of a rivet G, H capturedby the magnet 2701, and as a function of the size of the rivet expressedas the nominal rivet stem diameter and the distance d of the sensor fromthe magnet. It is interesting to note the presence of a ‘nearly linear’sensing zone between approximately d=4.5 mm and d=6.5 mm. In this zone,detection and characterization of the rivets is facilitated, for examplein comparison to the range d=2-4 mm. However, through adequatecalibration it would be possible to use the Hall effect sensor outsidethis region.

The sensed intensity of the magnetic flux B is transformed by the Halleffect sensor into an output voltage V, as shown in FIG. 32. The sensorvoltage output (V) (shown in FIG. 32) is proportionally changed by themagnetic flux values (subject to an initial calibration of the sensor),the change being sufficient to provide a differentiating signal outputbetween the conditions of; ‘no rivet’ or ‘small 3 mm rivet’ and ‘large 5mm rivet’.

If the supports described in connection with the nose arrangementsdescribed herein and/or the transfer means are made of anon-ferromagnetic material, the signal to noise ratio experienced by theHall effect sensor is improved. In other words, a lower background noiselevel is experienced in connection with the measurement effected by theHall effect sensor.

The magnet shown in FIGS. 27-30 is a neodymium magnet. However, as itwill be appreciated other types of magnets may also be used. Further,the magnet is in the form of a bar having a generally rectangularcross-section arranged generally parallel with respect to the punch. Themagnet has opposed polarities defined either side of a centre planepassing through the magnetic element, generally parallel with respect tothe punch.

As shown in FIGS. 27-30, which correspond to the arrangement previouslyshown in FIGS. 5-6, the Hall effect sensor is arranged in proximity ofthe stand-by position for detecting the presence of a fastener in thestand-by position. Alternatively, the Hall effect sensor may be arrangedin proximity of the fastener transfer area for detecting the fastenerpresence in the fastener transfer area. This is of course enabled by themagnet carried by the transfer mechanism described herein which collectsthe rivets at the fastener transfer area.

Accordingly, various methods involving the Hall effect sensor describedherein may be devised, for example, a method of detecting a fastener ina stand-by position under the punch of a fastener setting tool.

First, a nose arrangement comprising a Hall effect sensor as describedherein is provided. The signal provided by the Hall effect sensor ismonitored and compared to a reference signal or value to detect thefastener.

As an alternative example, a method of detecting a retracted position ofa punch of a fastener setting tool may be devised.

First, there is provided a nose arrangement where the Hall effect sensoris positioned in proximity of a fastener transfer area. Again, thesignal provided by the Hall effect sensor is monitored and compared to areference signal or value to detect the retracted position of the punchwhich corresponds to the absence of ferromagnetic material in the areaprobed by the sensor. Similarly, it would be possible to detect thetransit of the punch rather than its retracted position. Thisinformation can be used in the fastening applications, for example toactuate the transfer means only when the punch has been detected asretracted, or to provide an input for the setting tool to be relocatedfor a subsequent operation.

FIGS. 33A-C depict a further arrangement including a magnet 3301, rivetsK, and a Hall effect sensor 3302, incorporating a rotary pin escapement3303 used in a rivet feeding line 3304. The rivet feeding line isrepresented by portions of flexible tubing 3305 coupled to a rivet trackportion 3306 internal to the escapement 3303. However, it will beappreciated that the arrangement could likewise be provided for examplewithin a substantially rigid magazine for feeding rivets to a settingtool. In this case, the rivet delivery track would be substantiallyrigid.

The rotary pin escapement comprises a rotary cam 3307 in the form of twopins 3308 that are rotatably disposed with respect to the rivet trackportion 3306 so as to stop, trap or release one or more rivets K. Themechanism of handling the rivets will not be described in further detailherein. However, it will be appreciated the position of the magnet 3301which is adjacent the rivet track portion 3306 inside the escapement3303. The magnet 3301, in this instance, is not designed to carry outany specific action on the released rivet K′ or on any of the queuingrivets K″. The only function of the magnet is that of enabling sensingof the released (or to-be-released, as the case may be, depending on theangular orientation of the rotary cam 3307) rivet K′ at the magnetlocation. The information can be used as an input in connection with thecontrol of the corresponding fastener setting operation.

It could in general be advantageous to position magnets with or withoutsensors in a series of positions and/or alignments on the path in arivet supply line, such as for example inside a refillable rivetmagazine for the purposes of:

a) providing a velocity brake for a rivet or rivet train;

b) providing a holding position or series of holding positions for oneor a small train of rivets, eg, if magazine is upside down, to restrictthe rivet train from falling completely away from the escapement areaand the train needing to be drawn up to the escapement area each time asingle rivet is required, thus creating constant agitation, wear andtear on parts and damage to rivets. This arrangement could be akin to aone way gate, whereby air pressure pulls the rivet(s) past the magnetbut the weight of rivets alone under gravity is insufficient to pass themagnet;

c) providing a level sensor or more level sensors in the magazine tomonitor fill levels; and,

d) providing a means of switching the magnetic field on and off, eg,electro-magnet or displacing or rotating a directional correlatedmagnet. This would provide a means of achieving the above at b) withoutthe need to balance the relationship between kinetic energy of rivet viaair pressure and gravitational force.

FIGS. 34A-C illustrate an alternative nose arrangement 3405 includingtwo magnets 3401 3402, rivets L, and a Hall effect sensor 3403. The nosearrangement 3405 also includes a linear pin escapement 3406 fortransferring the rivets L under the punch 3407.

As seen in FIG. 34B, the transferred rivet L′ has been transferred underthe punch 3407 and, from that position will be set into a workpiece (notshown), when required, by operation of the punch 3407. The transfer ofthe transferred rivet L′ from a rivet transfer zone 3415 close to thepunch (where the rivet L′ has awaited to be transferred under the punch)is enabled by actuation/retraction of the lead pin 3408 of the linearpin escapement 3406. The corresponding actuator 3410 is also visible inFIG. 34B, together with its connections 3411. The described actuator ispneumatic, but alternatives are possible, for example an electricactuator could be used in its place.

The lead pin 3408 retracts until its lower face 3409 is substantiallyflush with the lower face 3412 of the punch 3407 when this is in itsretracted position. A quantity of compressed air moves the rivet L′under the punch. In this position, the rivet L′ is kept withinmechanical probes 3416 as known in the art. The Hall effect sensorsenses the presence of the current rivet L″ in the rivet transfer zonein cooperation with the magnet 3402 facing towards the feeding line.

Alternatively, the Hall effect sensor could be located behind the punch3407, as described for example in connection with FIGS. 14 and 15. Inthis position, the Hall effect sensor would predominantly sense themagnetic field generated by the other magnet 3401 facing the punch 3407.This field will interact with any rivets L disposed in the stand-byposition. This magnet 3401 is also provided so as to stabilise and/oradequately orient the rivet in the stand-by position. Further pins (notshown) part of this escapement 3406 may hold rivets L in proximity ofthe rivet transfer zone 3415 when the compressed air is blown to effectthe transfer of the rivet under the punch.

FIGS. 35A-C show yet another nose arrangement 3505 including fourmagnets 3501, 3502, 3503, 3504, rivets M, N fed from opposite sides ofthe punch 3507, and two Hall effect sensors 3510, one visible from FIGS.35A and 35C at the front of the arrangement 3505, and one (not visible)at the back, symmetrically disposed with respect to the front sensor3510.

The arrangement comprises two escapements 3520, 3530 of the type firstdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 34. Their function will therefore notbe described again. Pairs of sensors 3501, 3502 and 3503, 3504 aredisposed on two opposed lead pins 3521, 3531 located either side of thepunch 3507. Again, the arrangement is in every respect analogous to thatof FIGS. 34A-C and will therefore not be described again.

As evident, the rivets M, N can now be supplied from the left or righthand sides of the punch 3507. This may reduce the duty cycle of theriveting operations (other conditions being the same).

Further, different shapes and/or sizes of rivets may be supplied to thenose arrangement 3505 from one side and from the other side in thismirrored arrangement. This may be highly desirable in certain fasteningapplication.

Applications relating to self-piercing rivets of the type describedherein comprise, but are not limited to, the manufacturing of vehiclesuch as automobiles or parts thereof or therefor.

The invention has been described above in connection with the Figurespurely to enable the skilled person to carry out the invention acrossthe scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, protection is soughtbased on the scope of the appended claims.

1. A self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism for a rivet setting machine comprising: a self-piercing rivet track in which self-piercing rivets are receivable; and a first resiliently biased jaw that is biased towards a closed configuration in which the first resiliently biased jaw is configured to retain self-piercing rivets in the self-piercing rivet track; wherein the first resiliently biased jaw is moveable to an open configuration in which a self-piercing rivet can escape the self-piercing rivet track; wherein the first resiliently biased jaw is configured to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon exertion of a load upon the first resiliently biased jaw.
 2. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first resiliently biased jaw comprises a first cam surface at a first end of the first resiliently biased jaw.
 3. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 2, wherein the first cam surface is configured such that the first resiliently biased jaw moves to the open configuration upon the load being exerted to the first cam surface.
 4. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first resiliently biased jaw comprises a second cam surface at a second end of the resiliently biased jaw.
 5. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 4, wherein the first resiliently biased jaw is biased by a biasing member which biases against the second cam surface of the first resiliently biased jaw to bias the resiliently biased jaw towards the closed configuration.
 6. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a second resiliently biased jaw that is biased towards a closed configuration in which the second resiliently biased jaw is configured to cooperate with the first resiliently biased jaw to retain self-piercing rivets in the self-piercing rivet track, wherein the second resiliently biased jaw is moveable to an open configuration in which a self-piercing rivet can escape the self-piercing rivet track, and wherein the second resiliently biased jaw is configured to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon exertion of a load upon the second resiliently biased jaw.
 7. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 6, wherein, when the first resiliently biased jaw and the second resiliently biased jaw are in the closed configuration, a gap is defined between the first resiliently biased jaw and the second resiliently biased jaw, and wherein the gap extends at least partially across the self-piercing rivet track.
 8. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the resiliently biased jaw comprises a protrusion that protrudes transversely from the resiliently biased jaw.
 9. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one vacuum port in fluid communication with the self-piercing rivet track.
 10. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one compressed fluid exhaust port in fluid communication with the self-piercing rivet track.
 11. The self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism of claim 1, wherein the resiliently biased jaw is arranged to engage a stem of the self-piercing rivet.
 12. A nose arrangement for a self-piercing rivet setting tool having a punch for setting self-piercing rivet, the nose arrangement comprising: a self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism that is disposed laterally with respect to the punch, the self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism comprising: a self-piercing rivet track in which the self-piercing rivets are receivable; and a first resiliently biased jaw that is disposed towards or at an end of the self-piercing rivet track, wherein the first resiliently biased jaw is biased towards a closed configuration in which the first resiliently biased jaw is configured to retain self-piercing rivets in the self-piercing rivet track; wherein the first resiliently biased jaw is moveable to an open configuration in which a self-piercing rivet can escape the self-piercing rivet track; the nose arrangement further comprising: a transfer mechanism for transferring the self-piercing rivets from the self-piercing rivet escapement mechanism to under the punch, the transfer mechanism comprising a movable member that can be moved between first configuration and second configurations and is configured to hold at least one self-piercing rivet; wherein, in the first configuration, the moveable member exerts a load upon the resilient jaw the escapement mechanism such that the first resiliently biased jaw moves to the open configuration such that a self-piercing rivet escapes self-piercing rivet track and passes to the movable member.
 13. The nose arrangement of claim 12, wherein the moveable member comprises a magnet that is configured to retain a self-piercing rivet.
 14. The nose arrangement of claim 13, wherein the resiliently biased jaw is configured such that only a single self-piercing rivet can escape the rivet track each time the resiliently biased jaw is moved to the open configuration.
 15. The nose arrangement of claim 12, wherein the moveable member is adapted to form a sealed interface with the self-piercing rivet track when the moveable member is in the first configuration.
 16. A method of preparing self-piercing rivets for a setting operation in a self-piercing rivet setting tool having a punch for setting the self-piercing rivets, the method comprising: providing a self-piercing rivet to a self-piercing rivet track of an escapement mechanism; retaining the self-piercing rivet in the self-piercing rivet track using a resiliently biased jaw of the escapement mechanism; and exerting, with a moveable member of the self-piercing rivet setting tool, a load upon the resiliently biased jaw such that the resiliently biased jaw moves to an open configuration and simultaneously transferring the self-piercing rivet from the self-piercing rivet track to the moveable member for engagement by the punch.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, after the self-piercing rivet has transferred to the moveable member, removing the load from the resiliently biased jaw thereby returning the resiliently biased jaw to the closed configuration.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein, while the resiliently biased jaw is in the open configuration, only a single self-piercing rivet is allowed to escape the self-piercing rivet track.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising, while the moveable member exerts a load upon the resiliently biased jaw, reducing the pressure of the self-piercing rivet track.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising, while the moveable member exerts a load upon the resiliently biased jaw, forming a sealed interface between the moveable member and the self-piercing rivet track. 